Conditions in which nurses are exposed to the hepatitis viruses and precautions taken for prevention

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the exposure status of nurses to hepatitis B and C, and to determine the precautionary measures taken for protection from these infections. Design: This descriptive study was performed between February and May 2008 among nurses working in surgery and internal medicine wards. Setting: A total of 300 nurses working in the Aziziye Research Hospital and Yakutiye Research Hospital. Subject: The nurses included in the study comprised those who had three different levels of education, namely undergraduate, associate degree and high school. The data were collected via a questionnaire composed of 34 questions. The questionnaire consisted of questions on socio demographic characteristics, questions for estimating the frequency of exposure to blood and bodily fluids, questions about precautions, and questions for estimating HBV, HCV and the vaccination status of the nurses. Main outcome measure(s): A questionnaire developed by the researchers and data collected through a review of literature. Result: The results of completed questionnaires were collated, and Chi square test and percentage tests was used for analysis. 94.9% of the nurses participating in the study stated they had contact with blood and bodily fluids, and 75.8% of them had taken precautions during contact. The mostly commonly used preventive methods were hand washing before and after the invasive procedures on the patients (85.6%), hand washing between the invasive procedures on different patients (69%), and use of gloves (67.9%), respectively. The least used method was wearing protective glasses (0.2%). Among the distribution, injuries whilst replacing the cap of the syringe were leading (87.7%), and the least frequent were injuries sustained during the disposal of medical waste (54.6%). It was seen that 20.5% of the nurses in the study had undergone vaccination for hepatitis B. Majority of the nurses who had not had the vaccination (12.6%) stated they had not yet had the opportunity. Conclusions: As a result of the study, it was found almost all of the nurses had been in contact with blood and bodily fluids. Above all healthcare workers should receive periodic training on universal precautions, with a view on improving the overall safety of patients and healthcare workers.