Which cognitive factors predict clinical glove use amongst nurses?

Since the advent of awareness to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the early 1980s, much attention has been focused on the risks of infection faced by health care personnel in clinical settings. Although professional guidelines have been published in an attempt to limit the risk of exposure to such individuals, it would appear that optimal adherence is inadequate. One hundred and three registered nurses completed a questionnaire including items on actual glove use behaviour, barriers and Theory of Planned Behaviour variables (perceived behavioural control, intention, attitude and subjective norms). Multiple regression analyses revealed that the proposed model was successful in explaining 45% and 61% of the variance in intention and behaviour, respectively. Attitudes, perceived behavioural control and the amount of anticipated contact with blood were significant predictors of intention. Intention and perceived time availability to wear gloves were significant predictors of behaviour. Furthermore, nurses appeared to display a considerable degree of selectivity with respect to glove use based on patients infection status. It is concluded that future interventions should emphasize the importance and efficacy of wearing gloves in all situations where contact with blood could occur, irrespective of the procedure performed or the volume of blood anticipated.