Factors influencing preventive behaviors for Zika virus infection in female nursing students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Backgrounds: Zika virus infection may cause severe complications in women of childbearing age. Female nursing college students, in the role of future nurses and women of childbearing age, can be effective educators and health supporters by stimulating preventive behaviors. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the level of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors for Zika virus infection and determine the factors that influence this behavior in female nursing students. Methods: This cross-sectional study sample consisted of 335 nursing studentsfrom three nursing colleges in Korea. Results: Preventive behaviors for Zika virus infection were significantly affected by information seeking (β = 0.252, p < .01), perceived severity (β = 0.167, p < .05), intention to receive Zika virus vaccination (β = 0.135, p < .05), intent to travel to countries endemic for Zika virus (β = –0.122, p < .05), and intention to travel overseas (β = 0.122, p < .05). These five variables explained 20.6% of the variance in preventive behaviors for Zika virus infection. Conclusions: The provision of accurate and reliable information on Zika virus infection is essential, and education and publicity are needed to raise awareness about the disease severity. Moreover, preventive behaviors should focus on vaccination and precautions while traveling overseas. Impact Statement: The findings of this study highlight the importance of enhancing nursing students’ preventive behaviors to prevent Zika virus infection.