[ comparative study of knowledge and universal precaution in preventing Hepatitis B among midwives and midwifery's students in some medical science University Hospitals in Tehran 2002]

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B is the most common occupational hazard for health care workers. Midwives get infected with patient's blood and discharges in 25% of vaginal deliveries. The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge and universal precautions and their performance about Hepatitis B prevention among midwives and midwifery students in some medical science university hospitals in Tehran, 2002. This study was based on survey questionnaires with a total of 120 midwives and midwifery's students between June and October 2002. Hospitals were selected by cluster sampling and persons were selected by simple randomization. Data were analyzed with chis quare and Fisher's exact test. Knowledge and universal precaution were moderate in majority of midwives and midwifery's students. There was no significant deference between knowledge and universal precaution of midwives and midwifery students [P[k]=.784],[Pp=.847]. The study demonstrated that the level of knowledge and universal precaution of midwives and midwifery's students were inadequate. The education about universal precaution is indispensable. It is desirable to raise the level of knowledge and include of in the curriculum. Further educational interventions for midwives are needed to increase their compliance about blood borne disease, particularly Hepatitis B