Understanding Hepatitis B–Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Nurses of a Selected Tertiary Hospital in Northwestern Bangladesh

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global health concern, with nurses being particularly vulnerable to occupational exposure. In Bangladesh, however, there is limited understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of nurses concerning HBV, highlighting a significant gap in research and awareness. Therefore, the study aimed to assess the KAP of nurses regarding HBV. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted among 120 nurses through face‐to‐face interviews using a semi‐structured questionnaire, employing a convenience sample technique. Different statistical tools, including frequency distribution, Box and Whisker plot, the non‐parametric Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used in data analysis. Results The average age of the participants was 34.5 years, and most of the participants were female (83%). Nurses' vaccination uptake was 70.8% This study revealed that nurses' knowledge scores have a median of 0.77 (Interquartile range (IQR): 0.13). The Attitude scores, with a median of 0.88 (IQR: 0.25), and the practice scores was 0.87 (IQR: 0.38) regarding HBV. The nonparametric test demonstrated significant (p = 0.046) variation of knowledge among nurses across their age groups and young‐aged nurses showed better knowledge score. On the other hand, nurses' attitudes and practice behaviors significantly differed by their sex. Female nurses demonstrated higher attitude scores than male nurses [median attitude score: 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81–0.99) vs. 0.75 (95% CI: 0.74–0.88); p = 0.005]. Similarly, female nurses showed higher practice scores [median practice score: 0.87 (95% CI: 0.69–0.98) vs. 0.75 (95% CI: 0.62–0.87); p = 0.034]. Conclusions Nurses' KAP were found to be unsatisfactory. Knowledge was differed significantly across age groups. Furthermore, significant sex‐based differences were observed in attitudes and practices, with female nurses demonstrating more favorable attitudes and better practices than male counterparts.