Purpose : This study aimed to construct a structural model that explains and predicts the factors influencing the practice of respiratory infectious disease preventive behaviors among nursing students. The model was developed based on Montano and Kasp...
Purpose : This study aimed to construct a structural model that explains and predicts the factors influencing the practice of respiratory infectious disease preventive behaviors among nursing students. The model was developed based on Montano and Kasprzyk's Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) and supplemented with Risk Perception, a factor identified through literature review as influencing preventive behavior practice. The model sought to examine the effects of Experiential Attitude, Instrumental Attitude, Injunctive Norm, Descriptive Norm, Self-Efficacy, Perceived Control, Respiratory Infectious Disease Preventive Behavior Knowledge, Health consciousness, Habit, Risk Perception, and Intention on the practice of Respiratory Infectious Disease Preventive Behaviors. The goal was to provide foundational data for developing strategies to enhance the preventive behavior practice of nursing students. Methods: The study subjects were 270 nursing students enrolled in three four-year nursing departments in B Metropolitan City. Data collection was conducted from May 1, 2025, to May 15, 2025. A total of 12 measurement tools were used for the study: Experiential Attitude, Instrumental Attitude, Injunctive Norm, Descriptive Norm, Perceived Control, Self-Efficacy, Respiratory Infectious Disease Preventive Behavior Knowledge, Health consciousness, Habit, Risk Perception, Intention to Practice, and Practice. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 29.0 programs and AMOS 29.0 programs, involving descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, and the testing of model fit and hypotheses for the hypothetical model. Results: The findings were as follows. 1. The fit indices for the final revised model were χ²=139.05, Normed χ²(χ²/df)=1.58, GFI=.94, AGFI=.88, NFI=.93, TLI=.95, CFI=.97, SRMR=.05, RMSEA=.05. 2. Out of the 12 paths hypothesized in the theoretical model, 7 were statistically significantly supported. First, Factors affecting Intention to Practice of respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior: Instrumential Attitude (β=.15, p=.039), Injunctive Norm (β=.16, p=.017), Descriptive Norm (β=.14, p=.017), and Self-Efficacy (β=.38, p<.001) had significant positive effects. Experiential Attitude (β=-.02, p=.731), Perceived Control (β=-.02, p=.761), and Risk Perception (β=.02, p=.717) showed no significant effect. These four significant variables explained 42% of the variance in the Intention to Practice of respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior, with Self-Efficacy being the strongest predictor. Second, Factors affecting Practice of respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior: Intention to Practice of respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior (β=.18, p=.012), Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior Knowledge (β=.21, p=.002), and Health consciousness (β=.32, p<.001) had significant positive effects. Risk Perception (β=.13, p=.100) and Habit (β=-.03, p=.664) showed no significant effect. Conclusion: The hypothetical model suggests that the significant factors influencing the Intention to Practice of Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior are Instrumental Attitude, Injunctive Norm, Descriptive Norm, and Self-Efficacy. The significant factors influencing the actual Practice of RIPB are Intention to Practice of Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior, Health Interest, and Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior Knowledge. The variance in the Intention to Practice of Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior was 42% explained by Instrumental Attitude, Injunctive Norm, Descriptive Norm, and Self-Efficacy, among which Self-Efficacy was the most influential. The variance in the Practice of Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior was 27% explained by Intention to Practice of Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior, Health consciousness, and RIPB Knowledge, among which Health Interest was the most influential. Based on these findings, it is necessary to implement simulation-based education or case-based discussions similar to actual clinical settings to strengthen nursing students' Intention to Practice of Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior by enhancing their confidence (Self-Efficacy) in successfully performing prevention behaviors in various situations. Furthermore, promoting a positive social norm through group activities where students share Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior experiences and exchange positive feedback before and after clinical practice is essential. Sustained education on Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior and initiatives to elevate nursing students' Health Interest will directly influence the actual Practice of Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior. Moreover, establishing a culture that provides immediate support and positive feedback when students correctly practice prevention behaviors, along with visible role-modeling by healthcare professionals, will practically help students continuously implement theoretical Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior knowledge in the clinical setting. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of Respiratory infectious disease preventive behavior practice among nursing students by segmenting the related factors, providing a basis for preparing concrete strategies to enhance RIPB practice. We hope that these findings will lead to nursing students successfully preventing respiratory infections in their daily lives, encompassing both the university and clinical practice settings.