Predictors of respiratory protective equipment use in the Norwegian smelter industry: The role of the Theory of Planned Behavior, safety climate and work experience in understanding protective behavior

Abstract

Previous research has revealed a higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms in Norwegian smelter workers compared to average population controls. Nevertheless, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is not always used, even in situations with high exposure risk. A questionnaire was distributed to workers in the Norwegian smelting industry to investigate the relationship between psychological factors and self-reported use of RPEs. Response rate was 567/1,253. A scale measuring <i>attitudes toward behavior</i> (<i>ATT</i>), <i>subjective norms</i> (<i>SN</i>), <i>perceived behavioral control</i> (<i>PBC</i>), and <i>behavioral intention</i> (<i>BI</i>) was constructed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (<i>TPB</i>). Reliability and Confirmatory Factor Analyses partially supported the theoretical structure of the <i>TPB</i>-based scale, the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS) and the Short Scale for Safety Climate (SC). A model explaining the relationship between observed variables, latent constructs from <i>TPB</i>, WEMS and SC was developed by SEM-analysis. Significant influence on <i>BI</i> from <i>ATT</i> (β = 0.31 p < 0.01), <i>SN</i> (β = 0.36 p < 0.01), and <i>SC</i> (β = 0.19, p < 0.01) emerged. Among the observed variables included, relationship status (β = −0.12 p < 0.05), education level (β = 0.09, p < 0.05), previously completed respirator fit-testing (β = −0.09, p < 0.05) and average hours spent in exposed areas (β = −0.09) p < 0.05) had significant influence on behavioral intention. The model explained 48% of the variance in <i>BI</i>. <i>BI</i> and PBC significantly predicted PB, with β = 0.65 and β = −0.06, respectively. Results of this investigation can help facilitate further work and development of health & safety routines within industrial settings.