Low Levels of Knowledge and Preventive Practices Regarding Vertical Hepatitis B Transmission among Perinatal Nurses

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate current levels of hepatitis‐B‐related knowledge and clinical practice among perinatal nurses.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingSanta Clara County, California, home to one of the largest U.S. populations at risk of perinatal hepatitis B transmission.ParticipantsPerinatal nurses (N = 518) from eight birthing hospitals.MethodsIn 2008–2010, nurses completed a baseline survey evaluating existing hepatitis‐B‐related knowledge and preventive clinical practices, participated in an educational seminar, received instructional materials about hepatitis B, and completed a follow‐up knowledge survey.ResultsEighty percent of perinatal nurses had provided health care to a pregnant woman with chronic hepatitis B, but only 51% routinely provided patients with educational information about hepatitis B. While 75% routinely informed patients about effective methods to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission, only a small minority (17–34%) educated infected women about standard recommendations for protecting themselves and household members. One fourth or fewer nurses correctly answered most questions about hepatitis B prevalence, risks, and symptoms. After the educational seminar, knowledge increased statistically significantly.ConclusionExisting knowledge about hepatitis B is limited, and nationally recommended preventive clinical practices are commonly overlooked by perinatal nurses. This lack of knowledge and preventive care represents a noteworthy gap and an opportunity for targeted training and education to improve perinatal hepatitis B prevention and medical management of infected mothers.