NURSES' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES REGARDING HEPATITIS B: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze, in the literature, the nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding Hepatitis B. Method: an integrative review, with search and selection conducted independently by peers, after electronic queries in the CINAHL, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, BDENF and IBECS databases in January 2021. The sample consisted in 15 primary studies published with no time or language restrictions. Analysis and synthesis of the results were carried out in a descriptive manner. Results: limitations in knowledge, inconsistent attitudes and commonly neglected assistance-related practices were identified, related to prevention, immunization and biosafety measures, to risk management and to monitoring of symptoms and complications, which contributed to greater occupational exposure. Among the associated factors, low participation in permanent education activities, training level, working conditions, limitations in the availability of immunization tests (anti-HBs) and underreporting of health problems stood out. Conclusion: the knowledge, attitudes and practices developed by nurses in relation to Hepatitis B proved to be limited and inconsistent, which may result in greater occupational exposure, as well as exert a direct impact on vaccination coverage and occurrence of incidents.