Nurses' Knowledge toward Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Guilan, Iran

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Hepatology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk for viral hepatitis infections.
• Assessing HCW knowledge is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the knowledge of healthcare workers (HCWs) concerning hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.
• Identify specific knowledge deficits among HCWs regarding viral hepatitis.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center, cross-sectional study involving 1008 HCWs from eight teaching hospitals.
• Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge on HBV and HCV.

Main Results:

• Over 50% of HCWs demonstrated unsatisfactory knowledge of HBV and HCV.
• Knowledge scores were higher among more educated and vaccinated staff.
• While transmission knowledge was high, understanding of disease nature, prevention, and treatment was insufficient.

Conclusions:

• Significant knowledge gaps exist among HCWs regarding HBV and HCV, particularly concerning disease aspects beyond transmission.
• Continuous education and training programs are necessary to enhance HCW knowledge and improve patient safety.
• Targeted interventions may be needed to address specific knowledge deficits in different hospital settings.