Impact of media exposure to Tuberculosis prevention information on health beliefs and preventive behaviors among lower-grade university students in Guangzhou

Objective Based on the Health Belief Model (HBM),this study explored the level of media exposure to tuberculosis (TB) prevention information and its impact on health beliefs and prevention behaviors among lower-grade university students in Guangzhou.Methods A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to survey 1,909 lower-grade students from 18 universities in Guangzhou. Multiple linear regression was employed to analyze the impact of TB-related media exposure on health beliefs and preventive behaviors.Results Students scored higher in acquiring TB prevention information via new media (3.6±0.9) than traditional media (3.3±0.9), yet exposure frequency to both was low (new media:2.6±0.9; traditional media:2.3±1.0). Content related to TB prevention methods received the highest attention (3.6±0.8). Regression analysis indicated that media type and content focus significantly influenced all HBM dimensions (P<0.01), while exposure frequency only affected perceived susceptibility, barriers, and self-efficacy (P<0.01). Media exposure, education level, and gender collectively impacted TB prevention behaviors (F=60.301, P<0.01).Conclusion Lower-grade university students in Guangzhou primarily rely on new media for TB prevention information, but exposure frequency and engagement remain insufficient. Media type and content focus selectively shape health beliefs and behaviors, whereas exposure frequency specifically influenced perceived susceptibility, barriers, self-efficacy and preventive behaviors. A "new media-dominant, traditional media-supplemented" health communication strategy is recommended, emphasizing information quality improvement and targeted interventions for vocational colleges and male students.