The Correlation between Knowledge of Standard Precautions Control Infection and “Health Belief Model’s” Construct with Performance Standard Precautions Control Infection in Nursing Students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences

The most important challenge for nursing staff is the transmission of infection. Prevention of transmission of hospital infections requires standard precautions. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between knowledge of standard precautions control infection and “Health Belief Model’s” construct with performance standard precautions control infection in nursing students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. In this descriptive-correlational study, 123 nursing students were enrolled in educational hospitals using census method. Data were collected using demographic questionnaire, “Questionnaire of Knowledge of Standard Precautions of Infection Control”, “Health Belief Model Constructs Questionnaire” and, “Questionnaire of Performance of Standard Precautions of Infection Control”. Content validity and reliability were determined by Cronbach's alpha method. Data was analyzed using SPSS. 20. The mean score of students 'knowledge in the standard infection control (53.57 ± 12.39) was at the moderate level and the mean score of students' standard precautions at a good level (74.22 ± 14.99) were evaluated. The mean scores obtained from each construct of the “Health Belief Model” were as follows: perceived susceptibility (87.51 ± 9.94), perceived severity (89.71 ± 10.38), perceived benefits (94.58 ± 8.44), and perceived barriers (61.75 ± 14.81), guide for action (82.85 ± 9.99) and perceived self-efficacy (31.85 ± 12.23). According to Pearson test, there was a significant correlation between sensitivity and performance of the standard precautions (P <0.05). Knowledge and constructs of the model, among the most were moderate and good, respectively. But students were at a weak level of self-efficacy. Considering the relationship between the perceived susceptibility construct and the standard precautions for controlling infection, the focus on this structure is suggested through teaching to students.