Objective

To identify the scientific production related to the use of Rational Action Theory in nursing research.

Method

This is a bibliometric study, carried out with 22 articles published in the period 2006-2016, selected in the CINAHL and Scopus databases.

Results

The year with the highest number of publications (18.2%) was 2006. The United States of America stood out in the largest amount of research (36.3%), and the International Journal of Nursing Studies had the highest impact factor, 3,561. The results demonstrate hegemony of publications in international journals, demonstrating the global use of the theoretical model in different contexts.

Conclusions

It is expected to use this theoretical reference in the scientific production of the area, as well as in the diffusion of its applicability in predicting intentions and behavior in the context of health, being able to be an adjuvant in the promotion of health promotion, and therapeutic adherence related to chronic diseases.

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