Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior to Correct Posture in Operating Room Staffs

OBJECTIVE: Ergonomic risk factors such as prolonged and awkward postures increase the risk of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in operating room staffs. Understanding the factors influencing the prevalence of the WRMSDs is an essential step in any targeted health promotion interventions. This research aimed to determine the factors associated with correct posture maintenance based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) among the operating room staffs from educational hospital affiliated to Qazvin university medical sciences, in 2013.

METHODS: A total of 130 subjects with mean ages of 31.2±6.38 years participated in this study. Demographic data and TPB constructs were assessed using reliable and valid scales. Path analysis, based on TPB components, was applied to determine specific factors that most contribute to and predict actual behavior toward correct posture maintenance.

RESULTS: Psychometric properties of the model were consistent with the recommendations and results showed that variables were fit to the data. 58% of the variance in behavioral intention (BI) was described by the TPB constructs (P<0.05). Also, attitude (AT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC) and BI explained 39% of the variance in maintenance of a correct posture (P<0.05). Consistent with predictions from the TPB, AT (βi=0.44, P<0.05) were the major predictors of BI. In addition, PBC (βi=0.52, P<0.05) and BI (βi=0.41, P<0.05) were the important factors that influence the maintenance of a correct posture in the operating room staffs.

CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, TPB is a useful model to determine and to predict maintenance of a correct posture in the operating room staffs.