Influences of Perceived Behavior Control and Self-efficacy on Proper Hand Cleansing and Hand Washing Practices among Pre-practicum Nursing Students

Park, Kyung Yeon

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the study was to investigate hand washing practice and proper hand cleansing among first and second year nursing students who are prone to be exposed to nosocomial infections, and to identify the influence of perceived behavior control and self-efficacy on hand washing practices and proper hand cleansing. METHOD: Data for 91 students were collected from a nursing college in a metropolitan city in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive, t-test, one way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 19.0. RESULT: The mean score for hand washing practice was 38.35 out of a possible score of 48, and the mean sore for proper hand cleansing was 18.63 out of a possible score of 28. The significant factors affecting student hand washing practice were 'residential type' (p=.016), 'perceived behavior control' (p=.021), and 'self-efficacy' (p=.033) which explained 19.9% of the variance. The significant factors affecting proper hand cleansing by the students were 'perceived behavior control' (p<.001) and 'regular exercise' (p=.026) which explained 29.8% of the variance.
CONCLUSION
These results indicate a need for education programs on hand washing including strategies to improve perceived behavior control and self-efficacy to promote more effective hand washing practices.