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

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.