A Study of Nurses' Intention to Wear Gloves in Different Situations with Potential for Blood Exposure and Analysis of the Influence Factors

Abstract

Nurses' intention to wear gloves was investigated in different situations with potential for blood exposure, to clarify the factors influencing the decision. Subjects were 1,128 nurses employed as staff nurses at university and general hospitals in Japan. The subjects were asked about the intention to wear gloves in 4 possible situations of blood exposure. Factors influencing the decision were a) organizational factors, including support from supervisors/colleagues, b) individual factors, including educational background, and c) psychological factors, including risk acknowledgement. The factors were analyzed between a high intention group and a low intention group. Analysis of the organizational factors showed the high intention group had significantly (p<0.01) higher scores than the low intention group on support from supervisors/colleagues, handiness of gloves, and organizational policy. The high intention group also showed significantly (p<0.01) higher scores on educational experience. In addition, the decision was significantly positively correlated to the risk acknowledgement, attitude toward glove wearing, and perceived control over glove wearing. These results indicate that nurses' intentions to wear gloves might be promoted by a supportive work environment and educational intervention. © 2008, Japanese Society for Infection Prevention and Control. All rights reserved.