Abstract
Although, social and psychological factors have scientifically well documented role in determining the health seeking behavior of tuberculosis (TB) patients globally, however, the need to understand why these factors affect the health seeking behavior of TB patients in the light of behavioral theories in still unmet. This study evaluates the role of social and psychological factors affecting TB diagnostic test
seeking behavior of patients in low socioeconomic country like Pakistan in relation to “Health Belief Model”, a best-fit health behavior theory. Literature was searched systematically to find the studies addressing psychosocial factors affecting the diagnostic test seeking behaviors of TB patients in Google scholar, Medline and PubMed. The related articles had been reviewed for the period of 1998 to 2013. Emphasis was laid to review all studies conducted in Pakistan however where
needed reference from other countries with similar socio-demographic
characteristics was also included. The four key components of Health Belief Models; perceived susceptibility and severity and perceived benefits and barriers explain the relation between the socio-psychological factors and low treatment seeking behavior of TB patients. Inadequate knowledge and misconceptions about susceptibility and severity of TB disease is contributing towards low health seeking
behavior. Further, false beliefs and distrust in treatment are the perceived barriers, which decrease motivation for benefits and superimpose the condition.
Sobia Faisa, Qurat-ul-Ain Ahmad, Maleeha Manzoor, Madiha Manzoor, Faisal Rifaq. (2017) Socio-psychological factors related to tuberculosis diagnostic test seeking behavior in Pakistan, Punjab University Journal of Zoology, Volume 32, Issue 2.
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