👥 Authors

Waleed T. O. Al-Aqel¹, Iman A. A. Ogeel¹, Mohammed H. R. Hassan¹, Shaima S. S. Saleh¹, Humair H. M. Abdullah¹, Nadia A. Rajehi¹, Khalil A. Atiyah¹, Yasmin M. M. Qudaibah¹, Asala S. M. Abdullah¹, Abeer Y. A. Al-Khouli¹, Noha H. A. Al-Sharif¹, Jihad A. A. Al-Khatib¹, Nihad M. N. Al-Abbasi¹, Ahmed M. Shumilah^2*

Abstract

📌 Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs), affecting an estimated 130-170 million people worldwide with 1.5 million new infections annually. HCWs are at high risk due to exposure to blood and unsterile equipment.

🎯 Objective

To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards prevention of HCV infection among healthcare workers in Bajel City hospitals and clinics.

🧪 Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 151 healthcare workers in Bajel City from February to April 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, general knowledge about HCV, transmission routes, attitudes, prevention methods, and practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS v21.

📊 Key Findings & Results

Out of 151 HCWs (63 males, 88 females):

• Good Transmission Knowledge: Blood transfusion (99.4%), skin prick (95.3%), body fluid contact (94.7%), sexual (86.1%), and placental (79.5%).
• Knowledge Gaps & Misconceptions: ~30% believed HCV transmits via oral, contact, and respiratory routes. Major misconceptions included maternal immunization (82.1%) and patient isolation (66.2%) as preventive measures.
• Prevention Knowledge: Surgical tool sterilization (98.0%), pre-operative screening (97.3%), and glove wearing (91.4%).
• Poor Practices & Awareness: High failure in reporting sharp injuries (80.8% low awareness), periodic check-ups (59.6%), asking barbers to sterilize tools (74.2%), spousal reporting if infected (50.9%), and marriage without screening (49.6%).

💡 Conclusion & Recommendations

While knowledge of classical transmission routes was good, significant gaps exist in attitudes and practices. Poor reporting of needle-stick injuries and lack of periodic screening indicate an urgent need for educational seminars and strict infection control policies in Bajel City.