Frazer, K and Glacken, M and Coughlan, B and Staines, A and Daly, L (2011) Hepatitis C virus infection in primary care: survey of registered nurses' knowledge and access to information. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 67, (2), pp. 327-339. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2010.05489.x.
AIM: This paper is a report of a study conducted to compare knowledge of hepatitis C virus infection amongst three groups of registered nurses working in primary care, to identify their current sources of information and access to educational resources.
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus infection is a public health problem; no vaccine exists to prevent the disease. Previous studies identified limitations in nurses' knowledge of hepatitis C virus infection and the impact on care. Limited research has been conducted in primary care.
METHODS: A cross-sectional postal census survey of 981 nurses working in one Irish health board region was conducted March-June 2006. Questionnaires measured knowledge of hepatitis C virus infection. Data were collected on demographics, current working practices, information resources and previous education.
RESULTS: The response rate was 57·1% (n = 560). A minority (27·3% 145/531) of respondents agreed they were well informed about the virus. Almost 40% reported having contact with clients with the virus; however, information and service provision differed. Factors influencing higher knowledge included: contact with clients with hepatitis C virus infection (P < 0·0001), working in the addiction services (P < 0·0001), educated to degree level and above (P < 0·010) and previously attending education programmes (P < 0·0001). Only 21·5% (119/553) of respondents had attended any form of education on hepatitis C virus infection.
CONCLUSION: Gaps in nurses' knowledge exist and can limit information and advice. Educational and information resources need to be developed for registered nurses working in primary care; care for clients with hepatitis C virus infection is not the sole remit of the addiction services.
G Health and disease > Disease by cause (Aetiology) > Communicable / infectious disease > Hepatitis C (HCV)
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
J Health care, prevention, harm reduction and treatment > Health related issues > Health information and education
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