The combating of tuberculosis: health perceptions, intentions and vaccination of children

This study was part of a comprehensive research project undertaken at the request of the SANTA Health Education Committee to evaluate the tuberculosis guidance programme. The aim of the research was to examine factors influencing black people's health perceptions and intentions concerning the combating of tuberculosis as well as vaccination of their children. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model. The research was conducted in selected areas of the OFS, the Transvaal and Natal (N = 1,198). It was found that factors indicating a greater degree of development of the individual (e.g. literacy) were positively associated with positive health perceptions such as that medical treatment can cure TB completely. Some positive associations were also found between perceptions/modifying factors and intentions/vaccination. Indications were also found of an inability on the part of health personnel to influence the public positively.