Factors responsible for student nurses' use of non-sterile gloves: An exploratory qualitative study

Disposable non-sterile gloves are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) to be considered to protect oneself from the risk of infection. They have subsequently become the topic of concern related to increased use, inappropriate use, and potentially increasing the risk of cross-infection and environmental impact of plastic waste.

This study aimed to explore the views of pre-registration student nurses about non-sterile glove use in clinical practice and to identify the factors that impact student nurses' decision on whether to wear non- sterile gloves.

Using a social constructivist approach, the study was organised in a higher education institution. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with second year student nurses, utilising a theoretical domains framework (TDF).

The key findings showed that students had limited awareness of the national infection prevention and control best practice procedures. The primary influential factors for non-sterile gloves use behaviour were personal protection, the type of care interventions required and the observations of peers and role models.

The study found limited awareness on the importance of infection prevention and control precautions, including the correct procedure for donning, and doffing of personal protection equipment, along with a lack of confidence to challenge non-compliance.