Assessment of knowledge of nursing students on HBV and HCV infection prophylaxis — introductory report

Introduction. HBV and HCV infections are not given enough attention even though they affect 500-600 million people around the world.
Every year in Poland about 1500 people are infected with Hepatitis B and according to research carried out in 2009, about 2% of Poles are
infected with Hepatitis C. Healthcare workers are often exposed in contact with blood and other potentially infectious matter, especially if
health and safety regulations are not adheared to.

Aim of the study. The aim of the research was to ascertain nursing students’ knowledge level on after-exposition procedures against HBV,
HBC and other hazardous material.

Material and methods. Research was carried out among third year students at University of Bielsko-Biala and Medical University of Silesia.
Methods used included: poll and survey questionnaire (prepared by the authors) and knowledge test.

Results. The majority of the surveyed students know the methods of HBV and HCV transmission and can state the after-exposition procedures.
A small proportion of them performs invasive procedures without individual protection means. Among surveyed students there were
people who were exposed to probable transmission and the implemented proceedings did not comply with after-exposition procedures.

Conclusions. The analysis of the obtained data led to the conclusion that the knowledge level of nursing students on prophylaxis and afterexposure
procedures is insufficient and requires supplementation. Special attention should be paid to education in the field of health and
safety which will contribute to the increase of awareness thus causing a reduction of students’ exposition and in the future the exposition of
healthcare workers.
Nursing Topics 2012; 20 (4): 466–472