Predictors of Climate Change Preventive Behaviors among Military Nursing Personnel: Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the factors that explain climate change prevention behaviors among military nursing personnel based on the Theory of Planned Behavior. Methods: This is a cross-sectional correlation study. Data were collected from 250 military nursing personnel through an online survey conducted from September 25 to November 30, 2024. The three exogenous variables (attitude toward climate change prevention behavior, subjective norm, and self-efficacy) and two endogenous variables (behavioral intention toward climate change prevention behavior, and climate change prevention behavior) were surveyed. Results: The hypothetical model fitted the data (χ²=7.56, CFI=.99, TLI=.93, GFI=.99, RMSEA=.07). Attitude toward climate change prevention behavior and self-efficacy had direct effects on behavioral intention, which explained 20% of variance. Behavioral intention had direct effect on climate change prevention behavior, which explained 36% of variance. Attitude toward climate change prevention behavior and self-efficacy had indirect effects on climate change prevention behavior mediated by behavioral intention. Conclusion: These findings suggest that promoting climate change prevention behaviors among military nursing personnel requires strategies that enhance attitudes and self-efficacy, thus strengthening the intention to engage in preventive behaviors.