FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ACCEPTANCE OF STOOL-XPERT® MTB/RIF ULTRA FOR EARLY TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING AMONG CHILDREN IN PADANG, INDONESIA USING A HEALTH BELIEF MODEL

Abstract

The World Health Organization recommends stool-Xpert examination for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis in children because they cannot produce sputum for TB examination. However, the acceptance rate is still low. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with the acceptance of stool-Xpert for TB screening based on the health belief model. A cross-sectional study was done in six community health centers and two hospitals in Padang Municipality, Indonesia between September 2023 to January 2024. The study recruited 51 and 46 pediatric patients from the community health centers and the hospitals, respectively. Sixty-seven stool specimens were collected and tested for tuberculosis infection. Parents were interviewed. Perceived susceptibility included socio-demographic status and perceived TB signs and symptoms. Perceived severity included suspected TB from screening results. Perceived benefit included history of BCG vaccination. In-depth interview was done to identified perceived barriers and cue to action. Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test were used for data analysis. The study reported 69% of acceptance rate. Higher family’ household income, history of BCG vaccination, and evidence of suggestive TB could increase acceptance of stool-Xpert. Cue to action are TB signs and symptoms and advices from health worker. Perceived barriers included low susceptibility to TB and inconvenience.