Abstract

Introduction: The knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nursing staff, who are key actors in the fight against hepatitis B, are essential to assess for the development of a national viral hepatitis control strategy.
Patients and Methods: This was a WHO “Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices” (KAP) study conducted among nurses at the Libreville University Hospital Center between January 1 and June 30, 2024, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Responses were categorized as “excellent” (80–100% correct answers), “satisfactory” (50–79%), or “insufficient” (<50%). Data were analyzed using Epi-Info version 7.2.5. Informed consent was obtained and personal data confidentiality was respected.
Results: Participation rate was 61.02%. Respondents had a sex ratio of 0.47, a mean age of 28 (±5) years, and an average professional experience of 5 (±4) years. The overall level of knowledge was insufficient: sexual and blood transmission modes were mentioned by 44.44% and 56.94% of nurses, respectively. Cirrhosis and primary liver cancer were cited as complications by 29.63% and 25% of respondents. Overall attitude was also insufficient: only 21.76% knew their serological status and 29.17% were vaccinated. However, practices were satisfactory: 69.91% requested hepatitis B serology in case of blood exposure, 92.59% changed gloves between patients, and 77.31% systematically used disposable materials.
Conclusion: Nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward hepatitis B were insufficient, while practices were relatively acceptable. Improvement requires continuous training programs, integrated or not into a national hepatitis B control strategy.

Keywords

knowledge, attitudes, practices, hepatitis B, nurses