Are the future nurses geared to protect themselves from blood borne viruses? A descriptive cross-sectional study from Sri Lanka

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20204718

Keywords:

knowledge, transmission, blood borne virus, nursing students

Abstract

Background: Nurses have a high risk of being exposed to blood borne viruses (BBV) during their day to day practices and knowledge on transmission is important. The objective was to describe the knowledge in a selected Nursing Training School in Western Province, Sri Lanka and their associated factors of transmission of BBV, among nursing students in a selected Nursing Training School in Western Province and their associated factors in Sri Lanka.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 209 nursing students from a nursing school in Sri Lanka. Data collection was done using a self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 15.0. Statistical significance was tested at p<0.05.

Results: Majority (57%) had poor knowledge on transmission of BBV. Most gave correct answers for transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B virus 91%, 64% (HBV) by needle stick injury (82%, 87%), through blood transfusion (90%, 80%), mother to child at birth (90%, 64%), through organ and for transmission of HBV via tattooing/piercing, 58% gave correct answers transplant (80%, 66%), direct contact with blood (75%, 62%), through unprotected sexual intercourse (93%, 50%) and tattooing/ piercing (48%, 58%). Many had poor knowledge on transmission of HIV and HBV via sharing household equipment (50%, 84%), by kissing/hugging (57%, 75%), through mosquito bites (76%, 86%), by swimming in pools (80%, 87%), by eating contaminated food (81%, 88%) and through exposure to saliva/tears/stools and urine (89%, 92%). There was a statistically significant association between knowledge on transmission of BBV with higher academic year and older age (p<0.05).

Conclusions: BBV transmission needs further emphasis on the curriculum for future nurses to deliver to their utmost capabilities in the future.

 

Author Biographies

Jananie Kottahachchie, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

Department of Microbiology

Sampatha E. Goonewardena, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

Department of Community Medicine

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Published

2020-10-26

How to Cite

Piyumanthi, R. A. P., Isuruni, N. A. Y., Abeyrathne, G. N. U., Rupasinghe, S. R., De Silva, L. N., Kottahachchie, J., & Goonewardena, S. E. (2020). Are the future nurses geared to protect themselves from blood borne viruses? A descriptive cross-sectional study from Sri Lanka. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 7(11), 4227–4232. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20204718

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Original Research Articles