Knowledge and practices regarding infection control precautions against blood-borne diseases among recovered HCV patients in Egypt

Abstract

Preventing Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) reinfection is vital for the long-term health of recovered patients. This cross-sectional study evaluated the knowledge and practices related to blood-borne disease infection control among 376 HCV-recovered individuals in Egypt. Participants had a median age of 63 years, 81.9% were males, 56.1% were manual workers, 6.9% were healthcare professionals, 67.6% had basic literacy, and only 47.9% had received the hepatitis B vaccine. Non-healthcare participants had significantly poorer knowledge and practices compared to healthcare professionals (p < 0.001). Both groups showed suboptimal levels, with 19.2% of healthcare professionals and 0.3% of non-healthcare participants demonstrating good knowledge, while good practices were observed in 23.0% and 14.3% of each group, respectively. A significant positive correlation existed between knowledge and practice (r = 0.363, p < 0.001). Higher education (p < 0.01) and the HBV vaccination status (p = 0.004) were associated with better knowledge. Higher education correlated with better practices (p < 0.05). Individuals in manual labor had lower knowledge and practice scores (p = 0.012 and p = 0.001, respectively). These findings underscore significant knowledge and practice deficits, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve infection control and sustain the success of Egypt national HCV treatment program.