Research Article
Knowledge of Hepatitis-B Management and its Prevention among the Senior Staff Nurses Working at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)
Delowara Begum, Mabel D Rozario, Most. Nasrin, Halima Akter, Tumpa Gharami, Meherunnesa Dina
Middle East Research Journal of Nursing; 53-60.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/merjn.2024.v04i04.003
Background: Hepatitis B, caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), presents a significant global health challenge, especially in regions like Bangladesh where its prevalence is intermediate. The virus is transmitted through percutaneous or mucosal exposure to infectious blood or bodily fluids, posing a substantial risk to healthcare workers. Hepatitis B can lead to severe liver diseases if untreated. In Bangladesh, the burden of Hepatitis B is high, necessitating urgent intervention, particularly among healthcare professionals such as senior staff nurses who are on the frontline of managing and preventing the disease. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge levels of 210 senior staff nurses at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) regarding Hepatitis B management and prevention. A structured questionnaire, translated into Bengali, was used for data collection through structured interviews. Convenience sampling was employed, and data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 24.0). Descriptive statistics and t-tests/ANOVA were used to explore the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and nurses' knowledge about Hepatitis B. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of BSMMU. Results: The majority of respondents were female (70%), aged below 30 years (59.5%), and had basic nursing education (89.5%). Most had 1-10 years of work experience (89%) and earned less than 35,000 BDT monthly (78.1%). Regarding vaccination, 64.3% had completed it, 26.7% were partially vaccinated, and 9% were unvaccinated. Occupational exposure to blood or body fluids was reported by 73.3% of nurses. Knowledge about Hepatitis B infection, transmission, and prevention was generally high, with 85.44%, 89.14%, and 85.11% of nurses demonstrating good knowledge in these areas, respectively. Marital status and vaccination status were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Senior staff nurses at BSMMU exhibit substantial knowledge about Hepatitis B infection, transmission, and prevention. However, misconceptions persist regarding non-transmission routes and some preventive measures. Married nurses and those with complete vaccination status demonstrated higher knowledge levels. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to address knowledge gaps and reinforce preventive practices among nurses. This study underscores the importance of continuous education and vaccination programs to enhance the effectiveness of Hepatitis B management and prevention efforts in healthcare settings.
Research Article
Assessment of Pretest Severity of Muscle Cramps Among Hemodialysis Patients Before Leg Exercises
Mr. Sandesh Wamane, Dr. Gajanand R Wale
Middle East Research Journal of Nursing; 61-65.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/merjn.2024.v04i04.004
Background: Muscle-related cramps during hemodialysis create one of the greatest intradialytic complications. Discomfort during hemodialysis can lead to the early termination of hemodialysis sessions and adversely impact the treatment adequacy. Considering baseline muscle cramping severity before implementing mitigation strategies, like leg exercises, is crucial to the development of an enduring muscle cramping mitigation program. Aim: The purpose of the study was to measure the pretest muscle cramping severity and assess the relationship of muscle cramping severity to varying demographic criteria during leg exercises. Methodology: The study utilized a stratified cross-sectional descriptive design. The study was conducted in dialysis units of hospitals located in Solapur, Maharashtra. 60 patients selected through purposive sampling and maintained on hemodialysis, guided by inclusion/exclusion criteria, were sampled. The sample population completed a demographic proforma and the Visual Analog Scale (standardized muscle cramping severity scale). The collected data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The inferential statistics involved the Chi-square to measure the relationship association. Findings: 46.7% of the patients surveyed experienced muscle cramping of a moderate severity, and 30% experienced muscle cramping of a severe classification. Age and duration of dialysis had a significant relationship with muscle cramping severity, while gender did not exhibit a significant relationship. Conclusion: The study illustrates the problem of muscle cramping, particularly concerning their prevalence and the moderate to severe intensities of the attack. Cramping serves as a major clinical concern, and so as a first step in planning any clinical intervention (such as leg exercise instructions), it is critically important to instrument an initial & baseline assessment of the severity of cramping. This study exemplifies the need to be more vigilant in assessing & managing each patient in a more tailored & customized way.
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