Factors associated with nurses' self-efficacy in oral care at Oulu University Hospital, Finland

• Published in: Acta odontologica Scandinavica 2024-11, Vol.83 (1), p.616-621
• Main Authors: Kivilahti, Roosa-Maria, Ahomäki-Hietala, Tiia, Vähänikkilä, Hannu, Aro, Taru, Anttonen, Vuokko, Laitala, Marja-Liisa, Syrjälä, Anna-Maija
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Finland; Hospitals, University; Humans; infection-sensitive patients; Male; Middle Aged; Nursing Staff, Hospital - psychology; oral care; Oral Hygiene; Self Efficacy; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0001-6357; 1502-3850; 1502-3850
• DOI: 10.2340/aos.v83.42220

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with nurses' self-efficacy in oral care among infection-sensitive patients in a university hospital. All the nurses working in five wards of internal medicine and one department of oncology at Oulu University Hospital, Finland (n = 114) were recruited. Data were collected with a questionnaire containing 10 self-efficacy items (scored 0 to 10) and nine knowledge items (five-point Likert scale) that were validated in an earlier pilot study. Factor analysis was performed for the self-efficacy scale and a mean score was calculated for the knowledge scale. A multivariate linear regression model was used to analyze the association between explanatory variables and self-efficacy factor scores. Factor analysis revealed self-efficacy factors: Practical skills, Self-confidence in taking care of patients' oral hygiene, and Confidence in detecting oral problems (factor scores varied between 4.9 and 8.8). A higher mean score for the knowledge scale was positively associated with the factor Practical skills (B = 0.5, p