The combating of tuberculosis: health perceptions, intentions and vaccination of children

Abstract

This study was part o f a comprehensive research project undertaken at the request o f the SANTA Health Education Committee to evaluate the tuberculosis guidance programme. The aim o f the research was to examine factors influencing black people's health perceptions and intentions concerning the combating o f tuberculosis as well as vaccination o f their children. Data were collected by means o f a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. The research was conducted in selected areas o f the OFS, the Transvaal and Natal (N=l 198). It was found that factors indicating a greater degree o f development o f the individual (e.g. literacy) were positively associated with positive health perceptions such as that medical treatment can cure TB completely. Some positive associations were also found between perceptions!modifying factors and intentions/vaccination. Indications were also found o f an inability on the part o f health personnel to influence the public positively.