Understanding the predictors of hand hygiene using aspects of the theory of planned behaviour and temporal self-regulation theory

Psychol Health. 2023 May;38(5):555-572. doi: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1974862. Epub 2021 Sep 7.

Abstract

Objective: Adherence to proper hand hygiene practice is relatively low and is particularly salient in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Having a greater understanding of the psychosocial predictors of engaging in proper hand hygiene is warranted. One way to do this is through the application of a combined theory of planned behaviour and temporal self-regulation theory model.

Design: A prospective two-part study was conducted between May - November 2020, with N = 232 Australians. At time one, variables from both the theory of planned behaviour (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and intention) and temporal self-regulation theory (habit, environmental cues, and planning) were completed.

Main outcome measures: One week later, engagement in proper hand hygiene behaviour over the previous week was assessed.

Results: Two hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted, with 47% of variance accounted for in intention, with subjective norm being the strongest predictor, and 38% of variance accounted for in hand hygiene behaviour, with intention being the strongest predictor. Environmental cues also moderated the relationship between intention and behaviour.

Conclusions: To increase intention, incorporating subjective norm messages in advertisements may be helpful. Incorporating environmental cues in places where hand washing is recommended may assist in increasing hand hygiene.

Keywords: Hand hygiene; adherence; cues; habit; temporal self-regulation theory; theory of planned behaviour.

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Hand Hygiene*
  • Humans
  • Intention
  • Pandemics / prevention & control
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychological Theory
  • Self-Control*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Theory of Planned Behavior