| dc.description.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. | en_US |
