Effect of Primary prevention for Infection with Hepatitis B & C on Nurses’ Knowledge and practices

Said Elwaleil, Elsayeda; A.H. Mekhemar, Suheir; Hamed Farahat, Nadia; El-sebaey El-ghreib, Ayman; Mohamed Mohamed, Hala

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2019.251335

Effect of Primary prevention for Infection with Hepatitis B & C on Nurses’ Knowledge and practices

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Master degree Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University

² Professor of Community Health Nursing Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University

³ Assist. Professor of Hepatology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University

⁴ Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University

10.21608/ejhc.2019.251335

Abstract

Background: Primary prevention of viral hepatitis B & C is a vital element in
controlling the spread of the disease between nursing staff. The aim of the study was to
assess nurses' knowledge about viral hepatitis B and C, assess nurses' preventive practices
about viral hepatitis B and C, The research design: A descriptive study was utilized for
current study. Setting The study was conducted in two setting, National Liver Institute and
Menofia University Hospital in Shebin El-Kom City. Sample convenient sample consist of
117 nurses were recruited for the study. Tools: Data were collected through self adminstered
questionnaire sheet to assess socio-demographic characteristics data about nurses, assessing
the nurses knowledge about HBV &HCV, Observational checklist used to assess nurses'
practices and infection control in hospitals. Results: The majority of studied nurses were
knowledgeable about viral hepatitis B&C and preventive measures of viral hepatitis B&C,
the majority of studied nurses had unaccepted practices. The study also revealed a statistical
significant relation between nurses' knowledge, practices and their years of work.
Conclusion: This study concluded that, the nurses had adequate knowledge about viral
hepatitis B& C except incubation period. The level of the nurses' practices regarding
preventive measures of viral hepatitis B&C not accepted. The hospital had an important role
to prevent transmission of viral hepatitis B&C to nursing staff through availability of
hepatitis B vaccination infection control devices, equipment and solutions. Recommenations:
The study recommended a periodic training program for nurses about viral hepatitis B& C.
Further researches about nurses' compliance to infection control practices. Booklet and
simplified teaching material should be available for nurses about infection control practices
and safety measures.

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