Capacity building of healthcare workers: Key step towards elimination of viral hepatitis in developing countries

Abstract

Background Lack of awareness about viral hepatitis (VH) potentially predisposes the healthcare workers (HCWs) to a higher risk of infection and may in turn increase the risk of transmission of the infection to their families and in the community. Thus, combating VH, requires adequate and updated training to the HCWs. With this objective, Project PRAKASH designed a meticulously planned training program, aimed to assess the effect of a one-day training on VH among in-service nurses. Methods and material The content and schedule of scientific sessions of the training program were decided by subject experts to improve knowledge, attitude and practice(KAP) related to VH among in-service nurses. A 54-item questionnaire divided into four domains: Transmission and Risk Factors; Prevention; Treatment; Pathophysiology and Disease Progression were used to assess the KAP related to VH. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: demographic details, knowledge(30-items), attitude(12-items) and practice(12-itmes) with a total score of 30, 60 and 24 respectively in each section. The pre-post knowledge assessment was done and impact assessment survey was undertaken among the participants who completed six months post-training period. Paired-t-test was used to assess the effect of training on knowledge using SPSSv-22. Results A total of 5253 HCWs were trained through 32 one-day trainings, however data for 4474 HCWs was included in final pre-post knowledge analysis after removing the missing/incomplete data. Mean age of participants was 33.7±8.4 with median experience of 8(IQR: 3–13). Mean improvement in knowledge score was found to be significant (p<0.001) with mean knowledge score of 19.3±4.4 in pre-test and 25.7±3.9 in the post-test out of 30. Impact assessment survey suggested change in attitude and practice of HCWs. Conclusion The one-day training programs helped the in-service nurses to enhance their knowledge related to viral hepatitis. The study provided a roadmap to combating viral hepatitis through health education among HCWs about viral hepatitis.

A national level survey on knowledge, attitude and practices among Indian nurses on viral hepatitis

“…[ 24 ] Nurses working in the clinical areas were found to have better knowledge as compared to student nurses (OR3.25, CI 1.95-5.39, P = 0.001). In line with a study,[ 14 ] those employed in government sector had better knowledge than those in private sectors (OR 1.42, CI 1.19-1.68, P = 0.001). Additionally, nurses who had ever been trained or informed on post-exposure prophylaxis protocol had better knowledge (OR 1.37, CI 1.08-1.74, P = 0.009), as did those who were provided informational material on specific waste disposal in their health facilities (OR 1.83, CI 1.10-3.04, P = 0.02).…”

“…The overall knowledge about viral hepatitis among majority of nursing professionals (99.2%) was inadequate (poor-moderate). Most published surveys showed that knowledge about the diseases is sparse[ 14 ]: study among 4920 nurses showed lack of awareness of various aspects of hepatitis; another reported average knowledge among nurses. [ 15 ] Several other studies[ 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 ] too documented that various HCPs lacked adequate knowledge about viral hepatitis.…”

“…The finding attributes to the fact that clinical experience as well as regular update trainings raise knowledge. [ 8 14 ] In the context of viral hepatitis, all healthcare personnel, including nursing professionals, are considered high risk. Their capacity to care for individuals with viral hepatitis may be hampered by a lack of understanding among the Nurses.…”

“…Several earlier studies discovered a strong relationship between insufficient understanding, a negative attitude, and ineffective practices. [ 8 14 ] Knowledge, attitude, and practices are all interconnected. Knowledge about a condition contributes to the development of positive attitudes, and individuals’ cognition and attitudes about a disease influence practices to some extent.…”

Training the healthcare workforce to support task-shifting and viral hepatitis elimination: a global review of English language online trainings and in-person workshops for management of hepatitis B and C infection

“…Published data on certain workshops trainings [ 26 , 47 , 49 – 56 ] indicate that the curricula were generally comprehensive, covering epidemiology, diagnosis, workup, and treatment of HBV, HCV, or both. We highlight two specific trainings, the WHO Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regional training [ 57 ] and the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences “Hepatitis Induction Program” for nurses [ 58 ] Tables 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 and 9 .…”