RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze factors influencing the adherence to guidelines for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses to control infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO).METHOD: Participants were 194 ICU nurses at 3 university hospitals. Questions for the survey inquired about attitude, subjective norms, perception of patient safety culture to carry out MDRO management guidelines, perceived behavior control (PBC), and intention, based on the theory of planned behavior. Path analysis were utilized.RESULTS: The path analysis presented that PBC, perception of patient safety culture, and intent had a direct effect on MDRO management guidelines. Attitude towards following the manual did not have any correlation. The hypothetical model based on the theory of planned behavior was revealed as applicable; the degree of the variance in explaining adherence to the manual was 23 %, and the variance in explaining intention to fulfill the manual was 33 %.CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that we should develop a program to improve PBC to increase adherence to MDRO management guidelines. ICU nurses' perceptions of patient safety culture should also be surveyed.