Knowledge level and Attitude of Nursing Interns toward Patients with Hepatitis C at Tanta University Hospital

Having enough knowledge and proper attitude towards patients with hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection are cornerstones of preventing the spread of the disease. While, lack of knowledge and awareness about Hepatitis C in the community often leads to misinformation, missing of opportunities for prevention and treatment, and stigmatization of infected populations in the work place, by family members and by members of their communities. Aim: The aim of the study was to asses knowledge level and attitude toward patients with hepatitis C among nursing interns at Tanta University Hospital. Material and methods: Descriptive correlation study design. The study was conducted at Tanta University hospital and convenience sample of 200 nursing interns was enrolled in the study. Specially designed questionnaires that were developed by the researchers based on Joukor etal., Van de Mortal etal and Yaghi etal., after reviewing the related literature. Its consisted of three parts include questions related to sociodemographic data, questions related to nursing interns’ level of knowledge of hepatitis and questions related to nursing interns’s attitude: Results: . It was noticed that 11.5% of nursing interns had poor knowledge, 60.5% had a moderate level of knowledge and 28% had a good level of knowledge about patients with hepatitis C. Also, 50.5% (101) of nursing interns had positive attitude and 73.2% of them had good level of knowledge while, (49%) nursing interns had negative attitude toward patients with hepatitis and only 26.8% of them were had good level of knowledge. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation among nursing interns \\\'attitude and their total levels of knowledge toward patients with hepatitis C. Recommendation: Develop educational programs about hepatitis C because it is necessary to increase the level and quality of training among nursing interns before and during internship period to prevent or decrease negative attitude towards patients with hepatitis C. Increase the level of education about the disease, its prevention , management and infection control between undergraduate students and increase their interaction with hepatitis patients.