Factors Influencing Pediatric Nurses' Infection Control Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study of Standard Precaution Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Organizational Culture

Abstract

Background: Infection control is a critical component of pediatric nursing, as the patient population is highly vulnerable to healthcare-associated infections. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of standard precaution knowledge, self-efficacy, organizational culture, and environmental factors on infection control practices among pediatric nurses in South Korea.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted with 124 pediatric nurses employed in various hospitals. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and multiple regression to explore the relationships between infection control practices and the identified factors.

Results: Infection control practices significantly varied by age (F = 4.95, p = 0.001) and clinical unit type (F = 3.27, p = 0.024). Positive correlations were observed between infection control practices and knowledge (r = 0.33), self-efficacy (r = 0.31), organizational culture (r = 0.34), and environmental factors (r = 0.35). Multiple regression analysis identified knowledge (β = 0.31), self-efficacy (β = 0.28), and organizational culture (β = 0.23) as significant predictors of infection control practices, collectively explaining 27% of the variance.

Conclusions: Improving standard precaution knowledge and cultivating a supportive organizational culture are critical strategies to enhance pediatric nurses’ adherence to infection control practices. Interventions targeting these factors may significantly reduce infection risks in pediatric care settings.