Skip to main content
Journal cover image

Perceptions of tuberculosis and health seeking behaviour in rural Inner Mongolia, China.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Zhang, T; Liu, X; Bromley, H; Tang, S
Published in: Health Policy
May 2007

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore perceptions of TB, and health care seeking pathways, among poor rural communities in Inner Mongolia. METHODOLOGY: Twenty focus group discussions (FGDs) were held and 105 farmers were included. Six hundred and fourteen randomly selected respondents were surveyed through interview questionnaire, in three poor rural counties with a high TB prevalence. MAIN FINDINGS: A substantial proportion of community members were unclear or misinformed as to how TB was transmitted. Sixty percent of respondents identified prolonged cough as a main symptom of TB, while only 40% perceived TB to be caused by 'close interaction with TB patient'. In addition, 70% could not afford TB treatment and fell into debt as a result of having to seek medical care. Social stigma associated with TB influenced marriage prospects and impeded important social interactions within the community. Respondents' perceptions of TB were associated with their socio-economic status. Women, young people, low-income groups and those with less education tended to be less knowledgeable about TB. All farmers in the study reported only seeking health care after they failed to treat themselves; and most of them then sought care from less qualified village level health care providers. Less educated people, low-income groups and old people were identified as less likely to seek care, or more likely to seek care at village level where it is cheaper. Both financial and structural barriers were found to stop farmers seeking health care. CONCLUSIONS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS: Perceptions of TB and social stigma associated with the disease, together with socio-economic factors, shape the health seeking behaviour of poor farmers. Accessibility and affordability of TB health care issues should be dealt with through a multi-pronged approach, including health promotion in addition to expansion of the DOTS strategy and rural health insurance schemes.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Health Policy

DOI

ISSN

0168-8510

Publication Date

May 2007

Volume

81

Issue

2-3

Start / End Page

155 / 165

Location

Ireland

Related Subject Headings

  • Tuberculosis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Rural Population
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Health Policy & Services
  • Focus Groups
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
NLM
Zhang, T., Liu, X., Bromley, H., & Tang, S. (2007). Perceptions of tuberculosis and health seeking behaviour in rural Inner Mongolia, China. Health Policy, 81(2–3), 155–165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2005.12.009
Zhang, Tuohong, Xiaoyun Liu, Helen Bromley, and Shenglan Tang. “Perceptions of tuberculosis and health seeking behaviour in rural Inner Mongolia, China.Health Policy 81, no. 2–3 (May 2007): 155–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2005.12.009.
Zhang T, Liu X, Bromley H, Tang S. Perceptions of tuberculosis and health seeking behaviour in rural Inner Mongolia, China. Health Policy. 2007 May;81(2–3):155–65.
Zhang, Tuohong, et al. “Perceptions of tuberculosis and health seeking behaviour in rural Inner Mongolia, China.Health Policy, vol. 81, no. 2–3, May 2007, pp. 155–65. Pubmed, doi:10.1016/j.healthpol.2005.12.009.
Zhang T, Liu X, Bromley H, Tang S. Perceptions of tuberculosis and health seeking behaviour in rural Inner Mongolia, China. Health Policy. 2007 May;81(2–3):155–165.
Journal cover image

Published In

Health Policy

DOI

ISSN

0168-8510

Publication Date

May 2007

Volume

81

Issue

2-3

Start / End Page

155 / 165

Location

Ireland

Related Subject Headings

  • Tuberculosis
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Rural Population
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Middle Aged
  • Male
  • Humans
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Health Policy & Services
  • Focus Groups