Publication:

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

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.