Analysis on sputum disposal in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with structural equation model

ObjectiveTo examine relationships among knowledge,attitude and behavior about sputum disposal in pulmonary tuberculosis patients for making management policies.MethodsTotally 800 pulmonary tuberculosis patients were selected from 6 counties or districts in Shandong province with multistage random cluster sampling and a questionnaire survey was conducted among the patients.Structural equation model was adopted in data analyses.ResultsThe cognition on sputum disposal showed a significant direct affect on sputum disposal habit among the pulmonary tuberculosis patients with chemotherapy at home(r=-0.472).Spatum disposal habit showed a significant direct effect on out-home protective with measure among the pulmonary tuberculosis patients(r=-0.495).The cognition on sputum disposal showed a significant indirect effect on out-home protective measure among the pulmonary tuberculosis patients through the mediation of sputum disposal habit(r=-0.472×-0.495=0.234).ConclusionCorrect sputum disposal could be promoted through the improvement in cognition on sputum disposal among pulmonary tuberclosis patients.