Knowledge of occupational diseases and immunization among healthcare students

Abstract

PURPOSE: To investigate the knowledge and practices of immunization against occupational diseases and its associated factors among health students. METHODS: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out with a random sample of 275 graduate students from the Schools of Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Psychology and Nursing. During data collection we carried out individual interviews on issues related to immunization coverage, diseases and occupational accidents and sociodemographic variables. The statistical tests used were the Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests (a=0.05). RESULTS: Most students considered influenza (65.5%) and hepatitis B (58.5%) occupational diseases. Almost 30% of the students reported having attended to patients with infectious diseases, especially AIDS. Contact with body fluids or accidental exposure was reported by 12.7% being 34.3% by accident with drills; 88.2% of the students had incomplete immunization coverage due to lack of time in most cases (27%). None of the variables was significantly associated with vaccination coverage. CONCLUSION: The students' knowledge of occupational diseases and vaccination coverage was poor, which reflects the need for motivational policies through activities for clarification and expansion of vaccination coverage.