[Study on the status of media exposure to tuberculosis prevention information and its impact on health beliefs and preventive behaviors among lower-grade university students in Guangzhou City].

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 selected universities in Guangzhou City.A stratified cluster random sampling method was employed, and from May to June 2025, the Department of Tuberculosis Prevention and Control of Guangzhou Chest Hospital conducted a questionnaire survey among first-year and second-year students from 18 universities in Guangzhou City, yielding 1 909 valid responses. Multiple linear regression was employed to analyze the impact of media exposure to tuberculosis prevention information on health beliefs and preventive behaviors. The results showed that students scored higher on acquiring TB prevention information via new media (3.6±0.9) than via 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 score (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 (P<0.01). In conclusion, lower-grade university students in Guangzhou City primarily rely on new media for TB information, but exposure frequency and engagement remain insufficient. Media type and content focus differentially shape health beliefs and preventive behaviors.