Affiliations: Haematology Oncology Department, Children Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt | Infection Control Unit, Children Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Mohammed Mostafa Al-Tawil, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Haematology Oncology Department, Children Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. Tel.: +2 010 99693744; E-mail: mhmedaltawil@hotmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) and hematological patients needing blood/ blood product transfusion are particularly vulnerable to blood born infections (BBI) including viral hepatitis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of these target groups regarding viral hepatitis B (HBV) transmission and its change with implementing infection control policy and procedures. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire with closed questions was used to evaluate KAP including vaccination status in 2 target groups, in Children Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt: 184 nurses and 210 children and adolescents with blood diseases. One year after instituting infection control as a part of hospital procedures, the same questionnaire was reused to evaluate KAP towards HBV. RESULTS: Baseline knowledge regarding HBV transmission, sequelae and preventive measures, was poor in both groups. Among nurses, only 62% wore gloves on withdrawing or giving blood to patients, 43.5% routinely washed hands between patients and 37.5% reported exposure after sharp injury. Only 38% of patients and 40% of nurses received HBV vaccination. Targeted infection control policy and procedures significantly improved KAP regarding HBV in both groups. Vaccination coverage significantly increased and reached 88.7% for nurses and 72% for patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital based infection control units with established policy and procedures against BBI significantly improved KAP towards HBV including a significant increase in vaccination intake.
Keywords: Knowledge, attitude and practice, Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis B vaccination, health care workers, haematological patients
