Hepatitis C virus infection in primary care: survey of registered nurses' knowledge and access to information.
OBJECTIVE
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
School of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Systems, University College Dublin, Ireland. kathleen.frazer@ucd.ie
Kate
K
Frazer
Michele
M
Glacken
Barbara
B
Coughlan
Anthony
A
Staines
Leslie
L
Daly
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011637:Public Health Nursing / Q000193:education*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires