PURPOSE A descriptive study was conducted to examine the relationship of illness perception, self-efficacy, and self-care of patients who were diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. METHODS The study was conducted using a convenient sample from two hospitals in Incheon and Seoul. One hundred forty four patients completed a questionnaire which included questions on general characteristics, a Brief Illness Perception Scale, a Self-efficacy Scale and a Self-care Scale. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson Moment Correlations and stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS There was a statistically significant positive correlation between illness perception and self-care (r=.335, p=.000) and between self-efficacy and self-care (r=.687, p=.000). Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that among the three variables the most powerful predictor was self-efficacy. Self-efficacy and illness perception were significant factors and accounted for 54.2% of the variance of self care in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. CONCLUSION Self-efficacy and illness perception were influencing factors in self care among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Hence further interventional researches are needed that consider these two variables.
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