Information Sources, Credibility, Knowledge, and Risk Perceptions: Findings From the National Tuberculosis Survey in South Korea

Abstract

This study explores the sources of tuberculosis (TB) information used by Koreans, focusing specifically on how sociodemographic variables influence perceptions of source credibility and how the use of different information sources influences TB-related knowledge levels and risk perceptions. Based on the secondary cross-sectional data of the Korean National Tuberculosis Association, a series of analyses of variance and multiple regressions were conducted. The result showed that TV and the Internet are perceived as the most credible information sources, and that age, gender, and income predict credibility in different information sources. The TB-related knowledge was positively related to the use of TV/radio, interpersonal sources, and the Internet, whereas perceived susceptibility to TB was positively associated with the use of TV/radio and interpersonal sources. The findings suggest that health officers or public health campaign practitioners must understand their primary targets and select the most appropriate information sources to develop their campaigns.