Nursing Staffs' Knowledge and Practice regarding Prevention of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission in Hemodialysis Units

Abstract

Egypt has one of the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence in the world, WHO reported that the prevalence of HCV among patients in Egypt reached 48%, which is alarming and should taken seriously. Hemodialysis precautions are essential in preventing the transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units. Therefore, it is important to assess nurses' knowledge and practice regarding prevention of HCV in hemodialysis units. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess nursing staffs' knowledge and practice regarding theprevention of hepatitis C virus transmission in hemodialysis units. Studydesign: Adescriptive exploratorystudy was utilized to fulfill the aim of the study. Sample: A convenient sample of all hemodialysis nurses (60 nurses) in two hemodialysis units atAin Shams University Hospital, Egypt. Tools: Two tools were designed to collect data pertinent to the study: a) self-administered questionnaire to assess nurses' level of knowledge and b) Observational checklist used to assess nurses' level of practice. Results: showed that (55.6%) of the studied nurses have a satisfactory level of knowledge regarding prevention of HCV transmission, while majority of them (91.1%) have unsatisfactory level of practice regarding prevention of HCV transmission in hemodialysis units. Recommendations: Nursing guidelines program should be designed and implemented to all hemodialysis nurses to enhance their knowledge and practice regarding prevention of HCV transmission in Hemodialysis units.