Knowledge and Behavior of Visitors in the Prevention of Respiratory Tract Infections in an Emergency Service, Hospital / 기본간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of emergency setting visitors' knowledge and behavior patterns in relation to prevention of respiratory tract infections. METHODS: A descriptive survey was used. The participants were visitors to the emergency service in ‘D’ general hospital in ‘D’ city, and the data were collected from July 1 to September 1, 2016. The collected data were analyzed using frequency analysis, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Factors influencing prevention of respiratory tract infections were visitors' education level, methods of dissemination of prevention information, and participants' knowledge with regard to preventive methods. The explanatory power was found to be 35% in the regression model. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that visitors' education level, knowledge of infection prevention, and the dissemination of information regarding infection prevention by the hospital play an important role in the prevention of respiratory tract infections in emergency services in the hospital. These results highlight the need for a customized education program for prevention of respiratory tract infections in emergency settings. Programs should take into consideration the educational background of visitors, and provide them with appropriate information regarding infection prevention.