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

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.

Automated summary

This study examined the psychosocial predictors of engaging in proper hand hygiene through the application of a combined theory of planned behavior and temporal self-regulation theory. The results showed that subjective norm was the strongest predictor for intention, while intention was the strongest predictor for hand hygiene behavior. Environmental cues also moderated the relationship between intention and behavior. Therefore, incorporating subjective norm messages in advertisements and including environmental cues in recommended hand washing areas may help increase hand hygiene behavior.