Tingkat Pengetahuan dan Sikap Tenaga Kesehatan di Rumah Sakit Pendidikan Prof. Dr. dr. Chairuddin Panusunan Lubis USU terhadap Kejadian Hepatitis C

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C (HCV) is a blood-borne viral infection that remains a major challenge in infection control efforts within healthcare facilities. Healthcare workers are at high risk of HCV exposure through daily clinical activities. Adequate knowledge and positive attitudes are essential to prevent HCV transmission in hospital environments. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and HCV infection status among healthcare workers at Prof. Dr. dr. Chairuddin Panusunan Lubis Teaching Hospital, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 110 healthcare workers. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and attitudes toward HCV, and anti-HCV rapid tests were performed to determine infection status. Results: All respondents were nurses, with the majority being female (90%). The mean age of respondents was 33.15 ± 7.13 years. Most participants were of Batak ethnicity (65.5%), and all were from North Sumatra Province. Questionnaire results showed that all respondents (100%) had good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding Hepatitis C. Good knowledge was reflected in their understanding of transmission routes, preventive measures, and principles of HCV management. Positive attitudes were demonstrated by acceptance of patients with HCV and commitment to standard precautions. Serological testing revealed that none of the respondents were actively infected with HCV (0%), indicating the absence of active cases in the study population. Conclusion: Healthcare workers at Prof. Dr. dr. Chairuddin Panusunan Lubis Teaching Hospital demonstrated good knowledge and attitudes toward HCV, reflecting the effectiveness of educational efforts and infection prevention protocols at the institution. Keywords: Hepatitis C, knowledge, attitude, healthcare workers, infection prevention.