Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the factors explaining protective behaviors against radiation exposure in perioperative nurses
based on the theory of planned behavior. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 229 perioperative nurses participated
between October 3 and October 20, 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 software. The three exogenous variables
(attitude toward radiation protective behaviors, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) and two endogenous variables
(radiation protective intention and radiation protective behaviors) were surveyed. Results: The hypothetical model fit the data (χ2/df = 1.18,
SRMR = .02, TLI = .98, CFI = .99, RMSEA = .03). Radiation protective intention (β = .24, p = .001) and attitude toward radiation protective
behaviors (β = .32, p = .002) had direct effects on radiation protective behaviors. Subjective norm (β = .43, p = .002) and perceived behavior
control (β = .24, p = .003) had direct effects on radiation protective intention, which explained 38.0% of the variance. Subjective norm
(β = .10, p = .001) and perceived behavior control (β = .06, p = .002) had indirect effects via radiation protective intention on radiation
protective behaviors. Attitude toward radiation protective behaviors, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control were the significant
factors explaining 49.0% of the variance in radiation protective behaviors. Conclusion: This study shows that the theory of planned behavior
can be used to effectively predict radiation protective behaviors in perioperative nurses. Radiation safety guidelines or education programs
to enhance perioperative nurses’ protective behaviors should focus on radiation protective intention, attitude toward radiation protective
behaviors, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control.