The relationship between illness perception and health behaviors among patients with tuberculosis: Mediating effects of self-efficacy and family support

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the mediating effects of self-efficacy and family support in the relationship between illness perception and health behaviors among patients with tuberculosis. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 219 patients with tuberculosis from one general hospital in D city in Korea. The participants took medication over a two months period. Data were collected from four self-reported questionnaires including Health behaviors Questionnaire and Family Support Questionnaire. Of the four questionnaires, Venereal Disease Education Health Belief Model Scales and Health Belief Model Scales were modified for this study population with tuberculosis. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS statistics 23.0 program. Results: A positive correlation existed between health behaviors and illness perception (r=0.80, p < .001), self-efficacy (r=0.66, p < .001), and family support (r=0.73, p < .001). Self-efficacy and family support had partial mediating effect on the relationship between illness perception and health behaviors. Conclusion: Theses results indicated that in order to improve the health behaviors of patients with tuberculosis, it is necessary to develop a management plan that focuses not only on the illness perception but also on the self-efficacy and the role of the family support.