Factors affecting the performance of standard precautions focusing on the health belief model in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the factors affecting the performance of standard precautions among third- and fourth-year nursing students. Focusing on the health belief model, it included individual factors such as knowledge of standard precautions, health beliefs, and self-efficacy, along with patient safety culture factor-conceptualized as an environmental factor of the performance of standard precautions. METHODS: This study included 160 third- and fourth-year nursing students in South Korea. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing factors influencing the performance of standard precautions during clinical practice. RESULTS: The hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy (β=.58, p<.001), experience with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) (β=-.15, p=.01), age (β=.12, p=.02), and knowledge of standard precautions (β=.14, p=.04) were significant predictors of the performance of standard precautions. Explanatory power of the model was 64.7%. CONCLUSION: To enhance the performance of standard precautions among third- and fourth-year nursing students, ongoing education and strategies to improve their self-efficacy for health behaviors are essential. Tailored programs should be developed to prevent HAIs based on the specific self-efficacy levels of these students.