Ahmed Moustafa Shehata Hanafy

Assistant Lecturer

NURSING STAFFS' KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING PREVENTION of HEPATITIS (C) VIRUS TRANSMISSION in HEMODIALYSIS UNITS.

Research Abstract

Background: Compliance with hemodialysis (HD) precautions is essential in preventing the transmission of hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in hemodialysis units (HDUs). The aim of the study was to assess nursing staffs' knowledge and practice regarding the prevention of hepatitis C virus transmission in HDUs. Three main research questions were formulated to achieve the aim of the study. Research design: A descriptive exploratory study was utilized to fulfill the aim of the study. Subjects: A convenient sample of all hemodialysis nurses (55 nurses) in three HD units at Cairo University Hospital, Egypt. Tools: Two tools were designed to collect date pertinent to the study: a) Self-administered questionnaire to assess the subjects’ level of knowledge, and b) Observational checklist, used to assess subjects’ level of practice. Results: Showed that (54.5%) of the studied subjects have got a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding prevention of HCV transmission, while all of them (100%) have got an unsatisfactory level of practice regarding the same concerned topic. No significant statistical relationships have existed between nurses’ knowledge and practice and the designated socio-demographic variables except positive relation between practice scores and gender as well as the working areas. Recommendations: In-service training programs should be designed and implemented regularly to all hemodialysis nurses to enhance their knowledge and practice regarding prevention of HCV transmission in HD units.

Research Keywords

Nurses’ knowledge, Practice, Hepatitis C virus prevention, Hemodialysis units.

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