Sociocognitive determinants of adherence to standard precautions by the nursing staff in a regional hospital: a mixed-methods study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the sociocognitive determinants of adherence to standard precautions by the nursing staff in a Brazilian regional hospital. Method: Mixed methodology study, explanatory sequential design, conducted between January 2023 and March 2024, with 230 professionals. The Brazilian version of Standard Precautions Questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were used. The quantitative analysis employed the Mann-Whitney test, and the qualitative analysis, content analysis. Results: The overall mean sociocognitive adherence score was 3.90 (SD = 0.48), with the highest score in the “Attitude” factor (4.60; SD = 0.48) and the lowest in “Organizational Constraints” (2.95; SD = 1.17). Significant differences were identified between professional categories in “Social Influence” (nurses: 4.72; technicians: 4.79; p = 0.001) and “Organization” (nurses: 4.60; technicians: 4.49; p = 0.033). The integration of the findings demonstrated convergence between quantitative and qualitative data, showing that adherence, although satisfactory, is influenced by work-related factors. Conclusions: Technicians demonstrated greater social influence, while nurses identified more organizational barriers. Peer example encourages adherence, despite the persistent fear of reprimands for non-compliance with best practices.