Effects of self‐efficacy on the intention to take preventive actions against infectious diseases: Focusing on dental hygiene students in South Korea

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the impact of self‐efficacy on the intention to take preventive actions against infectious diseases, focusing on dental hygiene students during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA survey was conducted through a questionnaire distributed to 300 dental hygiene students at the Department of Dental Hygiene, Gangneung Yeongdong College in South Korea. In total, 251 students completed the survey (response rate: 83.6%). The survey data were analysed via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, path analysis and structural equation modelling.ResultsThe analysis showed that self‐efficacy positively affected students' intentions to take preventive actions against infectious diseases.ConclusionsThis study confirmed that self‐efficacy positively affected dental hygiene students' intentions for preventive actions against infections. Furthermore, it suggested that self‐efficacy should be classified into psychological (confidence and judgement) and behavioural (drive and task challenge) categories, and a systematic survey to formalize the concept of self‐efficacy should be developed. The results of this study should enable a better understanding of the impact of self‐efficacy on the intention to take preventive actions against infectious diseases.