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 health
problems. This study sought to determine the relationship of perceived susceptibility and
threats to Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) prevention practices as moderated by cultural beliefs.
Descriptive evaluative and correlational research designs were utilized. The study employed
393 respondents (20-55 years old) from five provinces in Indonesia with the highest incidence
of PTB, selected through the multi-stage and purposive sampling technique. The data analyzed
through the SPSS program, utilized statistical methods: Mean and Standard Deviation,
Correlation Analysis, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS. The
respondents had high perceived susceptibility and threats (mean = .755, SD = .421), and
practiced the PTB prevention sometimes (mean = 3.347 and SD = .826). This implies that
Indonesian adults understand that certain conditions an d practices would lead them or put
them at risk to be infected with PTB. Perceived susceptibility and threats have a positive weak
significant correlation (r = .320̽ ̽, ρ = .000) with PTB prevention practices. The higher the
perceived susceptibility and threats, the better is the PTB prevention practices. The perceived
susceptibility and threats has influenced over their prevention practices. Cultural beliefs have
a moderating role (estimate value of - .053, ρ = .000) in the relationship of perceived
susceptibility and threats to PTB prevention practices. The stronger the respondents hold on
to their cultural beliefs, the weaker is the impact of perceived susceptibility and threats. Further
study from other provinces that excluded in this study and on another specific culture related
to 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 in
depth understanding of the phenomenon.