Evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practice among different groups of health-care workers towards the transmission of blood-borne pathogens in a tertiary care hospital in Delhi

Maansi Mudgil; Sabyasachi Mandal; Emmanuel Jabakumar; Sanjib Gogoi; Manoj B. Jais

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262290

Authors

Maansi Mudgil Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
Sabyasachi Mandal Department of Microbiology, Pathkind National Reference Laboratory, Haryana, India
Emmanuel Jabakumar Department of Microbiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9550-115X
Sanjib Gogoi Department of Microbiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India
Manoj B. Jais Department of Microbiology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4558-8130

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262290

Keywords:

Anti-HBs titre, Blood-borne pathogens, Healthcare workers, Hepatitis B, Knowledge attitude practice

Abstract

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of acquiring blood-borne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C due to occupational exposure. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards standard precautions is essential to reduce this risk.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 317 HCWs (doctors, nurses, and technicians) in a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing KAP. Scores were categorized as good (≥80%), moderate (50-79%), and poor (<50%). Anti-HBs titres were estimated using ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and descriptive statistics, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: Good knowledge was observed in 82.7% of doctors, 51.4% of nurses, and 10% of technicians (p=0.001). A positive attitude was noted in 78.7% of doctors, 76.6% of nurses, and 50% of technicians (p=0.001). Practice showed variability, with 79.4% completing hepatitis B vaccination; however, only 54% had assessed anti-HBs titres. Occupational exposure was reported by 50.7% of doctors, 71% of nurses, and 26.7% of technicians. Among exposed individuals, only 63% completed post-exposure prophylaxis. Unsafe practices such as needle recapping persisted in 34% of HCWs.

Conclusions: Significant gaps in KAP, particularly among technicians, highlight the need for regular training, reinforcement of standard precautions, and monitoring of vaccination and immunity status to reduce occupational risk.

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