Factors associated with nosocomial infection control behavior of nurses working in nursery & NICU based on

Nosocomial infection in neonatal intensive care units is one of the health challenges in recent decades. Lack of nosocomial infection control by nurses is one of the health behaviors problems. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with nosocomial infection control behavior of nurses working in nursery & NICU based on «Health Belief Model”.

This descriptive study with model testing design، was conducted on 103 nurses working in neonatal and NICU in Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences hospitals via census. Data collection tools included 4 questionnaires: “Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire”، “Measuring Health Belief Model Structures Questionnaire”، “General Self-Efficacy Scale” and “Self-report Questionnaire of Nurses'' Infection Control Performance”. Content validity and reliability of scales was assessed through calculating internal consistency and test-retest. The data were analyzed with the SPSS/19 software.

Perceived intensity (86%) and sensitivity (87%) of the hospital infection among nurses reported well. Most perceived barriers (66%) in infection control were related to insufficient knowledge، skill and time. In addition، major preserved benefits (88%) were related to health benefits of nurses and family members and recovery of patients. Self-efficacy (54. 4%) and Nurses'' Infection Control Performance (60. 1%)، were evaluated poor. The most important affecting variable on probability of infection control behavior was perceived severity (70%).

Perceived severity as the most important variable which can impact the infection control behavior has a strong cognitive component which is knowledge dependent. According to health belief model، establishing educational programs in line with the perceived severity and stress on the negative consequences in preventing the infection control behavior is suggested.