Greener Journal of Medical Sciences

Greener Journal of  Medical Sciences Vol.3 (1), pp. 018-031, January 2013

 ISSN: 2276-7797  

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 120512313

 

Knowledge, Attitudes and Self-Reported Behavior of Primary Health Care Workers for Hepatitis B and C Virus and other Health Care Associated Infection

 

¹Areej Alkandari, ²Shaikha Aljodar, ³Hanouf Adnan Albahhouh, ⁴Gamal Makboul, ^5*Medhat El-Shazly

 

¹MRCGP, Alzahraa polyclinic, PHC, MOH, Kuwait

²MRCGP, Qairawan polyclinic, PHC, MOH, Kuwait

³MRCGP, School Health Depatment, MOH, Kuwait

⁴MD, Department of Community medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt and Department of Health Information and Medical records, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.

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

 

*Corresponding Author’s E mail: medshaz @ yahoo.com, Tel: + 965 66612524

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.

Keywords: knowledge, attitude, practice, health associated infection, primary health workers.

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