Spatial spillover effects and regional differences of tuberculosis health education levels among China’s floating population: a spatial lag model study (2014–2017)

The cross-regional floating population in China has brought new challenges for tuberculosis prevention and control. Tuberculosis health Education for the floating population can significantly enhance their health awareness and reduce the prevalence of the disease. However, the current status of health education for the floating population is not adequately assessed, highlighting the urgent need to identify the key factors that restrict effective health education and to safeguard the health rights and interests of this group. This study utilized the data of China’s migrant population from 2014 to 2017, combined with the China Statistical Yearbook and meteorological data, and conducted literature searches and collected relevant information on tuberculosis health education through databases such as Web of Science and PubMed. It identified the key factors influencing tuberculosis health education from four dimensions: social economy, population, health resources, and meteorological environment. Furthermore, the study also explored the relationships between these indicators and tuberculosis health education at the provincial and urban regional levels respectively. A spatial lag fixed effect model was determined to be the most appropriate analysis model based on Schwarz’s Bayesian Information Criterion and Akaike’s Information Criterion. The results indicated that at the provincial level a positive correlation between the proportion of the urban population and tuberculosis health education. Conversely, the medical doctors (per 1000 population) negatively correlated with local tuberculosis health education. Additionally, average annual temperature, precipitation, and SO 2 emissions showed positive correlations with tuberculosis health education. At the city level, the results were not statistically significant. The health education regarding tuberculosis among China’s floating population demonstrates significant spatial clustering from 2014 to 2017. Key determinants identified include economic factors, healthcare resources, and environmental influences, which contribute not only at a local level but also through notable spatial spillover effects. It is essential to adopt targeted public health strategies to enhance interregional collaboration and optimize resource allocation for equitable tuberculosis control.