Greener Journal of Medical Sciences

Greener Journal of  Medical Sciences Vol. 2 (5), pp. 107-114, November 2012

 ISSN: 2276-7797  

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 10011268

 

Knowledge and attitude of the physicians and nurses regarding blood borne infections in primary health care, Kuwait

 

¹Abdullah H. Alwutaib MRCGP, ²Yasmin A. Abdulghafour MRCGP, ³Amal K. Alfadhli MRCGP, ⁴Gamal Makboul MD, and

^5*Medhat K El-Shazly MD

 ¹Health Attache (Embassy of Kuwait-Washington) dr.alwetaib@ gmail. com,

²Head of Medical and Professional Development Sector, Technical Department, MOH, Kuwait yasmin.abdulghafour@yahoo.com

³Shaeb polyclinic, PHC, MOH, Kuwait<akf.ali10@ gmail. com>

⁴Department of Community medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt& Department of Health Information and Medical records, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.<gamalmakboul@ hotmail. com>

⁵Department of Medical Statistics, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt. & Department of Health Information and Medical records, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.

 Corresponding Author’s E-mail : medshaz @yahoo. com

Abstract:

Background: Physicians and nurses are a high-risk group of acquiring health care-associated infections and for transmission to their patients and close contacts

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and attitude of physicians and nurses in the field of blood borne infections (BBIs), and to identify factors associated with their level of knowledge.

Methods: This study was a comparative one that was conducted in all primary health centers located in two randomly selected health regions in Kuwait. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all currently working physicians and nurses in the selected centers.

Results: Recruitment effort resulted in participation of 277 nurses (64.6%) and 152 physicians (35.4%). The majority of nurses (83.0%, 74.4%, 73.6%) compared to 69.7%, 71.7% and 61.2% of the physicians recognized the possibility of transmission of the three BBIs (HBV, HCV and HIV) from patients to health care workers (HCWs). Lower proportions of participants recognized that HBV, HCV and HIV can be transmitted from HCWs to patients. A significant higher proportion of physicians than nurses were aware that blood and its products and improper usage of needles and sharps are the roots of transmissions (90.6% vs. 96.1% and 89.9% vs. 96.1% respectively). Faeco-oral and contaminated water were answered incorrectly as routes of transmission among nurses than physicians significantly (32.%1 vs. 19.7% and 21.7% vs 10.5% respectively). Positive attitude was encountered in a significant higher proportion among physicians than nurses in certain beliefs regarding the risk of and vaccination against BBIs. On the other hand, higher proportions of nurses had positive attitude than physicians in practical aspects of BBIs control.

Conclusions: Generally, the knowledge level was acceptable in the current study. Physicians were more knowledgeable than nurses. Positive attitudes were encountered in a significant higher proportion amongnurses than physicians regarding the practical aspects. Older age was an important determinant of lower level of knowledge.

 

Keywords: Physicians, nurses, BBIs, knowledge, attitude.

Short title: BBls knowledge among physicians and nurses

First author: Alwutaib AH

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