Abstract Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is considered a public health issue. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is the form of CKD in which life can be sustained by dialysis or transplantation. In Egypt ESRD is one of the main health problems. Patients receiving Hemodialysis (HD) are at risk of acquiring infections as Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). As Devices used in dialysis units create an access site, Patients should be educated on how to keep the access site clean and dry and to recognize and report any signs and symptoms of infection immediately.
Aim of the Study: This study was conducted to assess the baseline knowledge in Infection Control (IC) among chronic HD patients and to detect rate of seroconversion from hepatitis B & hepatitis C negative to positive among them.
Subjects and Methods: A cross sectional study design was conducted in the HD units at Kasr AlAiny hospitals. Patients with CKD stage 5D on regular HD participated in the study [two HD units are present in Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals; 60 patients in unit (1) and 50 patients in unit (2)]. Results: Regarding the IC knowledge of the HD patients, the median total score was 6/10 (4-10) in unit (1) and 6/10 (2-10) in unit (2). Regarding rate of seroconversion from HCV negative to HCV positive; in unit (1) one patient out of 65 was seroconverted in 2015. In unit (2); one patient out of 22 was seroconverted in 2014, one patient out of 28 was seroconverted in 2015, and one patient out of 30 was serocon-verted in 2016.
Conclusion: IC knowledge of chronic HD patients was generally low regarding the BSIs that they are at risk for, how to protect themselves and the IC practices that nurses should follow with them.