Relationship of Perceived Susceptibility and Threats to Prevention Practices of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among Indonesians as Moderated by Cultural Beliefs

Abstract

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) appears to lead in the worldwide unending battle of healthproblems. This study sought to determine the relationship of perceived susceptibility andthreats to Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) prevention practices as moderated by cultural beliefs.Descriptive evaluative and correlational research designs were utilized. The study employed393 respondents (20-55 years old) from five provinces in Indonesia with the highest incidenceof PTB, selected through the multi-stage and purposive sampling technique. The data analyzedthrough the SPSS program, utilized statistical methods: Mean and Standard Deviation,Correlation Analysis, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS. Therespondents had high perceived susceptibility and threats (mean = .755, SD = .421), andpracticed the PTB prevention sometimes (mean = 3.347 and SD = .826). This implies thatIndonesian adults understand that certain conditions an d practices would lead them or putthem at risk to be infected with PTB. Perceived susceptibility and threats have a positive weaksignificant correlation (r = .320̽ ̽, ρ = .000) with PTB prevention practices. The higher theperceived susceptibility and threats, the better is the PTB prevention practices. The perceivedsusceptibility and threats has influenced over their prevention practices. Cultural beliefs havea moderating role (estimate value of - .053, ρ = .000) in the relationship of perceivedsusceptibility and threats to PTB prevention practices. The stronger the respondents hold onto their cultural beliefs, the weaker is the impact of perceived susceptibility and threats. Furtherstudy from other provinces that excluded in this study and on another specific culture relatedto PTB prevention practices with a comparison of different population groups (urban and rural),and with a bigger sample size. Also, may employ a qualitative research method to explore indepth understanding of the phenomenon.