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Knowledge And Perception Of Nosocomial Infection Among Health Workers And Resident
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Theoretical Framework
Vacant
social cognitive models propose that determinants that shape human
behavior are acquired through socialization and may be susceptible to
change. When reviewing the literature, three theories were found to
offer a strong theoretical framework for research in this area: the
social cognitive theory (SCT), the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Theory
of Reasoned Action I
Theory of Planned Behavior (TRAlTPB) (Ajzen, 1980; Bandura,1989; Rosenstock et al. 1988).
The
Social Cognitive Theory stems from the Social Learning Theory and was
suggested by Alfred Bandura in 1986. This theory is based on the notion
of a triad model that takes into account the communications between
three factors: environment, personal cognition and behavior. A central
belief of the Social Cognitive Theory asserts that behavior is uniquely
determined by each of the three factors and that response penalty
mediate behavior. Additional, the theory asserts that people are most
likely to learn and model behavior observed in persons with whom they
identify through a phenomenon commonly referred to as “vicarious
capacityâ€. Vicarious capacity is defined as an observational leaning
mechanism governed by attention span, retention process, motor facsimile
development and motivational processes (Bandura, 1991 and Glanz et aI.,
2002).Bandura asserted that people learn by modeling behaviors from
significant others; and that behavior is determined by symbolizing
capability, forethought, self-regulation, self-reflection, and vicarious
capability. The theory also states that a bi-directional interaction
occurs between the environment and personal characteristics and is thus
central to the development of human prospect, beliefs, and cognitive
competencies (Bandura, 1991 and Glanz et aI., 2002). In the context of
Bandura’s Social-Cognitive theory, the healthcare facility would be the
environment where directional and personal interactions between the
healthcare workers such as the experienced health worker would interact
with the novice health worker. It is therefore possible to postulate
that the health worker with less experience will model the behaviors of
the more experienced health worker. Some constructs of the Bandura’s
Social Cognitive Theory are applicable to the Health Belief Model (HBM) –
a psychological model that explains and predicts health behaviors by
focusing on the attitudes and beliefs of individuals (Glanz et aI.,
2002). Health Belief Model was first developed in the 1950s by social
psychologists Hochbaum, Rosenstock and Kegels. The model uses constructs
that represent perceived threats and net benefits such as perceived
susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived
barriers, cues to action and self-efficacy. The model asserts that these
constructs account for aperson’s “readiness to act†(Rosenstock, 1988).
The literature reviewed suggests that it is possible to apply the
constructs of the Health Belief Model to studies that explore health
behaviors such as health prevention and promotion, and compliance with
recommended guidelines for infection control. The behaviors of health
care professionals, and in particular nurses, are also regulated by
social and moral standards. Through foresight, the individual can think
through the consequences of a behavior without actually performing the
behavior oneself (Bandura, 1989). It is known in some studies that
positive health behaviors by healthcare workers may decrease the
occurrence of the unabated nosocomial infections (Aly et aI., 2005;
Pittet et aI., 2004). For example, if a health worker internalizes the
notion that prevention of nosocomial infections is essential he I she
will take precautions in order to improve on the outcomes of the
admitting disease or condition, and improve the delivery of quality
standard of care.
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ABSRACT - [ Total Page(s): 1 ]Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) continue to be a threat to hospital admissions and workers thus contributing to mortalities and morbidities. Sophistication and type of services given by health facilities may determine health worker’s attitude towards combating these infections. The objective of this study is to compare knowledge, attitude and practice of HAIs among health workers at the three levels of health care in Nigeria, particularly the primary level that has to do with the resi ... Continue reading---
