Title: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Hepatitis B Infection among Nursing Staff of Tertiary Care Hospital in South India Potdar Pallavi A.1, Potdar Ashutosh B.2, Raikar Vivek R.3,* 1Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur 2Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, D. Y. Patil Medical College, Kolhapur 3Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Prakash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Islampur *Corresponding Author: Dr. Vivek R. Raikar, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Prakash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Islampur, e-mail: vivekraikar789@gmail.com
Online published on 23 December, 2019. Abstract Background Hepatitis B is the major global concern and leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It can be prevented with strategies like safe and effective vaccination, increasing awareness and by adhering to universal precautions. Objectives To evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice towards Hepatitis B infection and vaccination status against Hepatitis B among staff nurses working in CMCH &RC. Material and Method A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in CMCH & RC, Irungalur, Trichy. Study population included 145 nursing staffs through purposive sampling technique who were contacted in person from various departments at the time of study. The data was analyzed using appropriate statistical software SPSS version 22. Results Among the study participants 64.7% had adequate knowledge regarding Hepatitis B. Around 16% were not fully aware about mode of transmission, 23% did not know that it spreads through unsterilized instruments while, 46% were not fully aware about the vaccination schedule & 20% of them did not know that its preventable. About 86.5% had positive attitude towards Hepatitis B. Out of total 145 nurses, 22.4% didn't follow the recommended practices towards prevention of Hepatitis B. Out of the total 145 participants, 35% nurses were not vaccinated against Hepatitis B at the time of our study. Conclusion One third of the nursing staff are not fully aware about the Hepatitis B infection. Around 16% nurses are not aware about mode of transmission of Hepatitis B. One third of the nurses are not vaccinated against Hepatitis B at the time of our study. Health education programs should be conducted on regular basis to increase level of knowledge and preventive practices in order to protect nursing staff from acquiring this deadly infection. Top Keywords Hepatitis B, knowledge, attitude, practice, staff nurses. Top |