Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Hepatitis B: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Objective: to analyze, in the literature, the nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding Hepatitis B. Method: an integrative review, with search and selection conducted independently by peers, after electronic queries in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, BDENF and IBECS databases in January 2021. The sample consisted in 15 primary studies published with no time or language restrictions. Analysis and synthesis of the results were carried out in a descriptive manner. Results: limitations in knowledge, inconsistent attitudes and commonly neglected assistance-related practices were identified, related to prevention, immunization and biosafety measures, to risk management and to monitoring of symptoms and complications, which contributed to greater occupational exposure. Among the associated factors, low participation in permanent education activities, training level, working conditions, limitations in the availability of immunization tests (anti-HBs) and underreporting of health problems stood out. Conclusion: the knowledge, attitudes and practices developed by nurses in relation to Hepatitis B proved to be limited and inconsistent, which may result in greater occupational exposure, as well as exert a direct impact on vaccination coverage and occurrence of incidents.

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

“…A review in 2022 showed that the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses in relation to Hepatitis B was limited and inconsistent, that may result in increased occupational exposure, poor vaccination coverage, and high incidence of hepatitis B among nurses. [ 7 ] Another study of 4,474 nursing professionals from 292 institutions across 12 states of India found that participants had poor knowledge (19.3 ± 4.4 in pre-test) regarding viral hepatitis and its transmission which significantly ( P value <0.001) improved after a one day training (25.7 ± 3.9 in post-test). [ 8 ] The study also assessed the impact of the training, which revealed that on a regular basis 82.0% of the participants initiated the use of personal protective equipment's; 97.9% adopted safe injection practices; 83% advised about HBV vaccination, and 79.8% for family screening.…”