Fostering sustainable infection prevention behaviors through organizational culture and psychological resources in healthcare settings

Infection prevention is a critical aspect of healthcare, directly impacting patient safety and outcomes. Previous studies have investigated various individual factors influencing infection control behaviors; however, limited research has examined the combined impact of organizational culture, environmental factors, and self-efficacy. This study aims to explore the multidimensional determinants of infection prevention behaviors using the information-motivation-behavioral skills framework. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 nurses from 2 mid-sized hospitals in South Korea. Data were collected using a structured survey assessing infection control organizational culture, prevention environment, knowledge, attitudes, job stress, self-efficacy, and prevention behaviors. Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze direct and indirect relationships between variables. Infection control organizational culture significantly influenced both infection control attitudes and prevention behaviors, while the prevention environment had a significant effect on job stress. Infection control self-efficacy emerged as a critical mediator, significantly enhancing prevention behaviors. Contrary to expectations, job stress did not directly undermine infection prevention behaviors but indirectly influenced them through self-efficacy. Knowledge had limited direct effects but influenced prevention behaviors through attitudes and self-efficacy. The findings underscore the importance of fostering a supportive organizational culture and prevention environment to enhance infection control practices. By integrating the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills Model framework, this study highlights the interconnected pathways influencing infection prevention behaviors. These insights can guide the development of targeted interventions and policies to improve healthcare safety and outcomes.