Study on the prevalence of hepatitis B- surface antigen carrier status in a district in Sri Lanka, and prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B infection among nursing personnel in the same dist.

Abstract

Knowledge on hepatitis B infection was inadequate in 69.3 per cent of nursing officers. A significant proportion of nurses observed were not adhering to universal precautions when performing simple surgical invasive procedures on patients. The hand washing practices observed were poorer than reported by them. The findings justify an immunization programme against hepatitis B to be launched in the area for children and the nursing officers. This study also highlights the importance of an interventional programme to improve the nursing officers knowledge and practices with regard to hepatitis B infections