Preventive practices against Hepatitis B: A cross-sectional study among nursing students of Kathmandu, Nepal

Background: Hepatitis B is an acute systemic infection caused by Hepatitis B virus. It is transmitted through direct contacts and iatrogenics. Health professionals (laboratory technicians, nursing staffs, medical professionals and surgeons) are most at risk population for Hepatitis B. This study was conducted during January 2010 to May 2010, to examine Hepatitis B prevention practices among nursing students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected Nursing Colleges (out of total 16 Colleges) of Kathmandu, Nepal. All 385 students studying in Proficiency Certificate Level (first, second, and third year) nursing were the participants. Data were collected by interview using structured questionnaire and an observation checklist was filled. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 13). Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied; results were presented in tabular and narrative forms. Results: All participants were female (mean age 18.54 ± 2.01 years). About 39.5% participants were studying in 1 st , 31.7% in 2 nd , and 28.8% were in the 3 rd year. Almost all (97.7%) were unmarried and 87.5% were Hindus. About 96.4% participants heard about Hepatitis B and Radio/Television (83.6%) were common sources of information. Almost all (99.7%) reported; vaccination followed by avoidance of needles sharing (93.5%) is the most effective preventive measures. Three-quarters of the participants were vaccinated against Hepatitis B and 12.2% tested their blood for Hepatitis B. About 96.4% participants avoided the sharing of needle after using syringes after patient care, 82.6% used sterilized instruments, 81.8% used gloves, and only 27.2% used mask during patient care. Conclusion: Only two-thirds of nursing students had good Hepatitis B prevention practices, a quarter of the participants were not vaccinated against Hepatitis B, and rather poor practice of using mask during their service time skill imparting trainings and supervision of the practices are recommended for good prevention practices