Abstract
Background: Health care workers are a high-risk group for acquiring Health care-associated infections and for transmission to their patients and close contacts. Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and self-reported behavior of HCWs in relation to HBV, HCV and other HAIs and to identify factors that determine them in primary health care, Kuwait. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in all primary health center located in two randomly selected heath regions in Kuwait. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all currently working health care workers in the selected centers. Results: Out of 48 questions, the mean percentage of correct answer was 57.7% with a mean knowledge score = 28.3 ± 7.1. Out of 14 attitude statements, mean percentage of positive attitude was 10.2 ± 2.7. Out of 23 behavior statements, 82.8% reported satisfactory practice with a mean behavior score = 12.4±5.8. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the pharmacists were at five times risk of giving low knowledge level compared to the nurses and non-Arab nationalities and those earning monthly income ≥1500 KD were more knowledgeable. Female gender and lower knowledge score were associated with negative attitude. Females, laboratory technicians and participants with negative attitude were more liable to practice unsatisfactory behavior. Conclusions: Health care workers in primary health care showed fair level of knowledge and positive attitude, but poor practice. This clearly indicated the urgency to implement initiatives for improving healthcare policies regarding HAIs.
Highlights
Occupational blood-borne infections (BBIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality
It has been estimated that 14.4% and 1.4% of hospital workers are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), respectively (Polish et al, 1993)
Logistic regression analysis, showed that females as compared to males, laboratory technicians as compared to nurses and participants with negative attitude were more liable to practice unaccepted behavior (OR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.5), (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1-5.2) and (OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3) respectively
Summary
Occupational blood-borne infections (BBIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most occupational transmissions can be prevented by standard precautions (Gounden and Moodley, 2000) In their occupational environment, HCWs are exposed to multiple BBIs such as HBV and HCV. Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and self-reported behavior of HCWs in relation to HBV, HCV and other HAIs and to identify factors that determine them in primary health care, Kuwait. Conclusions: Health care workers in primary health care showed fair level of knowledge and positive attitude, but poor practice. This clearly indicated the urgency to implement initiatives for improving healthcare policies regarding HAIs
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