Abstract: Objective To analyze the cognitive attitudes regarding preventive treatment among latent tuberculosis infection patients in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang), with the aim of providing a scientific basis for further promotion of preventive treatment in the region. Methods Individuals with LTBI were selected from close contacts of patients with active tuberculosis residing in high and medium-low burden areas of Xinjiang. A structured questionnaire survey was administered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing the willingness of LTBI patients to accept preventive therapy. Results A total of 655 LTBI patients were enrolled in this study, with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶1.20 and a mean age of (50.59 ± 18.30) years. Of the participants, 76.03% (n=498) demonstrated good knowledge of key tuberculosis control information, including LTBI-related knowledge. Significant variations in knowledge levels were observed across different occupational groups, educational backgrounds, geographical origins, participation in health education activities, and willingness to accept preventive therapy (all P<0.05). Among those with better knowledge, 80.52% (n=401) expressed willingness to receive preventive therapy. Univariate analysis indicated that gender, age group, educational attainment, annual household income, place of origin, and participation in relevant health education activities were all significantly associated with willingness to accept preventive therapy (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that individuals who didn't have participate in relevant health education activities (OR=0.457), aged ≥65 years (OR=0.302), with a junior college degree or above (OR=0.120), and with annual household income greater than 60, 000 yuan (OR=0.368) were less likely to accept preventive therapy. The main concerns among those with good knowledge regarding preventive therapy were: fear of being mistakenly perceived as having active tuberculosis (42.17%), concerns about potential adverse effects during preventive therapy (34.34%), and worries about disruptions to normal life, social interactions, and work (28.31%). Conclusions The overall level of knowledge regarding LTBI and its prevention is relatively low among individuals in Xinjiang;however, acceptance of preventive treatment is significantly higher among those with greater knowledge. Therefore, enhancing the dissemination and popularization of tuberculosis prevention and control knowledge among individuals with LTBI is likely to facilitate greater acceptance of preventive therapy in this population.

Key words: Tuberculosis, LTBI patients, Preventive treatment, Cognitive attitudes