RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the relationships among components of the Health Belief Model, tuberculosis (TB) preventive behavior, and intention of seeking TB care. STUDY DESIGN: Cross section study. METHODS: Using convenience sampling, 1154 rural-to-urban migrant workers were selected between the ages of 18-50 years in six urban areas of three provinces in China. The survey was conducted by individual, face-to-face interviews with a standardized questionnaire. Lisrel 8.7 was used to conduct path analysis. RESULTS: The knowledge and benefits components of the Health Belief Model predicted preventive behaviors: cover nose/mouth when coughing or sneezing (ß = 0.24, 0.33 respectively), evade others' coughs (ß = 0.13, 0.25) and also predicted seeking TB care (ß = 0.27, 0.19). Susceptibility and severity also predicted seeking TB care (ß = 0.12, 0.16). There were also important relationships among model components. Knowledge of TB predicted both susceptibility (ß = 0.32-0.60) and severity (ß = 0.41-0.45). Further, each of susceptibility (ß = 0.30) and severity (ß = 0.41) predicted perceived benefits of preventive care. CONCLUSION: Thus, a path from knowledge, through severity and susceptibility, and then through benefits predicted prevention and TB care seeking behaviors.