Research Article

HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti- HCV Serologic Indicators of the Haemodialysis Unit Workers and Haemodialysis Patients, and Hand Hygiene Compliance Rates of the Workers

10.4274/Vhd.42713

  • Serap SÜZÜK
  • Dilek ÖZTAŞ
  • Havva AVCIKÜÇÜK
  • Arzu ÇALIK

Viral Hepat J 2013;19(3):136-139

Objective:

Haemodialysis units are risky places for both patients and staff in these centers, especially in terms of the transmission of such viral infections as hepatitis B and C. Infection control measures are important in reducing the frequency of this infection. In this study will be aimed to contribute to the epidemiological data in the country.

Methods:

In our study, we researched HBsAg, antiHBs and anti-HCV serologic markers frequency and hand hygiene compliance rates of 66 patients treated in our hospital haemodialysis unit between 2012 November-2013 April months and 16 staff working in this unit. The data with regard to HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti- HCV belonging to the patient and the health workers were determined retrospectively from the medical records for the patients and from the health screening files for the health care workers. HBsAg, anti HBs and anti HCV seropositivity were assessed by the method of enzyme immunoassay. Hand hygiene compliance rates were evaluated prospectively with five indication observation forms.

Results:

That patients positive for HBs Ag is of 9.09%, of 77.27% for anti-HBs and of 6.06% for anti-HCV have been identified. Positive for HBsAg and anti-HCV have been found together in one patient. A significant relationship between positive for HBsAg and anti- HCV with dialysis duration has not been found. In all staff has been found the immune response to have developed against hepatitis B. None of the health workers has been diagnosed as positive for anti-HCV. Overall hand hygiene compliance rate in the dialysis center was found to be 49.67%. The occupational groups with the highest hand hygiene compliance are the nurses (64.54%).

Conclusion:

In our city, the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C was found to be consistent with other data in our country. To take measures towards prevention of infection in haemodialysis units is important for the protection this group of patients with special needs. Of the preventive measures is included hand hygiene as it is an effective and inexpensive method. The studies should be carried out towards increasing hand hygiene compliance of the health care workers, serving in the sections in which the patients with special needs are treated.

Keywords: Hemodialysis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hand hygiene compliance

Full Text (Turkish)