A TEST OF THE THEORY OF REASONED ACTION: CHOICE FOR GERIATRIC RESIDENTS IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.
Contributors: University Of Illinois At Chicago, Health Sciences Center.
Published: 1988
Number of pages: 219
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Gerontology.
Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if the Theory of Reasoned Action could predict accurately behaviors of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in giving choice about daily activities; specifically, dressing and group participation for geriatric residents in long-term care facilities. A secondary purpose was to determine the frequency and type of choice about daily activities, dressing, and group participation given geriatric residents by LPNs and CNAs in long-term care facilities.

A cross-sectional survey and field observation design was used. The sample consisted of thirty CNAs and ten LPNs randomly selected from two long-term care facilities. Each subject was observed for two hours and then interviewed regarding Behavioral Intentions toward giving choice to residents about daily activities, dressing, and group participation. Observations were recorded on the Observer Recording Form. Subjects were interviewed with the Behavior Intention Questionnaire and the Demographic Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi square, T-Test, and multiple regression techniques were used to analyze the data.

The significant findings were: (1) Both CNAs and LPNs intended to give residents choice about daily activities, dressing, and group participation. (2) Observed behavior was not significantly related to self-reported behavior. (3) CNAs gave residents more choices about dressing than did LPNs; however, LPNs were ordinarily not involved in assisting residents with dressing. (4) LPNs gave residents more choices about group participation than did CNAs; however, CNAs were not always aware of scheduled group activities. (5) Coworkers were an unimportant referent group for both CNAs and LPNs. (6) Nursing administrators and state inspectors were important referent groups for both CNAs and LPNs.

The findings suggest that (1) Although the Theory of Reasoned Action was useful in understanding LPNs' and CNAs' behaviors regarding giving choice to residents about daily activities, dressing, and group participation, it was not useful in predicting actual behavior. (2) CNAs and LPNs need continuing education programs regarding giving choice to geriatric residents in long-term care facilities. (3) The expectations of nursing administrators and state inspectors should be included as content during continuing education programs.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 49-08, Section: B, page: 3107.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO, HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER, 1988.

School code: 0806.