Preventive behaviors of tuberculosis among Myanmar migrants at Muang district, Phuket province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the factors related to preventive behaviors of tuberculosis among Myanmar migrants at Muang District, Phuket Province, Thailand. This was a cross- sectional study. The data were obtained from 15 migrant communities. Muang district was selected purposively then cluster sampling according to occupations followed by convenience sampling within occupation. A total of 342 subjects participated. Non parametric tests were used for hypothesis testing because preventive behavior score was not normally distributed. Preventive behaviors were at good level (≥80% of total possible score) in 43.6%, the overall knowledge of the respondents at good level was 30.1% and perception at good level was 45.3%. 49.4% had high barriers to preventive behaviors. 12% had never received TB- related information and 74.6% did not know about TB treatment. Migrants received information relating to TB from various sources, but very few received it from family members or drug stores. There were significant associations between most of the sociodemographic characteristics and preventive behaviors (p<0.05). TB prevention practices improved with increasing age, and females had better practice than male. Married respondents had good behaviors and TB prevention practices higher as the respondent’s were more educated. Burmese practices were better than in other ethnic groups and registered had higher prevention practice than unregistered. Preventive behavior score was significantly positively associated with knowledge score (p<0.001), but was not associated with perception score or barrier score. There was a negative association between knowledge and barrier score. Knowledge was positively associated with perception (p<0.001), but barrier and perception were negatively associated. There were 7 questions relating to preventive behavior, and these were assessed in relation to independent variables. Knowledge score was positively associated with behavior for 6 questions (5 significant and 1 marginally significant (p=0.056)). Perception score was positively associated for 4 questions (3 significant). Barrier score was not consistently associated with preventive behavior. In order to improve TB preventive behaviors, it is recommended to increase the awareness of TB thorough health education disseminated in media like brochures, posters and health information programs. This education should be available especially during non-working hours. Hospitals should provide services not only for registered but also for unregistered migrants.