Health behaviors undertaken by patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Aim:
Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate health behaviors, health self-control of people with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Material and methods:
The study was conducted in a group of 100 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. The methods used included a sociodemographic questionnaire and scales, such as: Health Behaviour Inventory (HBI) and Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC-from B).

Results:
Age had a significant impact on proper eating habits (p=0.0035). However, marital status determined the adoption of certain preventive behaviors (p=0.0446). The health behavior index correlated with the influence of others (p=0.0151) and with incidental actions (p=0.0079). In the area of health control – random events correlated with proper eating habits (p=0.0039). Preventive behaviors were statistically significantly associated with all categories of health control. In addition, positive mental attitude correlated with the influence of others (p=0.0084) and random events (p=0.0498). Also, health practices were determined by the influence of others (p=0.0009). Gender (p<0.0001), education (p=0.0001), occupational activity (p=0.0039) and housing (p<0.0001) had a significant impact on the health behavior index and individual categories.

Conclusions:
Health behaviors were significantly related to health control, which is a critical link in the area of education of people with pulmonary tuberculosis, and has implications for activities within health maintenance.