Hazard For Healthcare Workers Research Articles

Medical Staff at Sanatorium-Resort Organizations: Working Conditions and Health Risk Factors

Medical staff working conditions are characterized by a range of adverse workplace factors investigated primarily at hospital organizations. However, sanitary audit of working conditions and health risk factors for medical workers in the sanatorium-resort industry is also a task that needs attention. Aim. To analyze the results of the working conditions special assessment and identify the main work-related factors affecting health state of medical staff at sanatorium-resort organizations. Material and methods. Scientific search and analysis of publications on the safety of working conditions and health protection of medical workers. Systematization of research materials, statistical and comparative analysis of the results of working conditions special assessment carried out at branches of the Medical Research Center and data provided in publications. Results. Medical staff are exposed to a wide range of hazards. Work-related factors that do not meet established hygiene standards cause the greatest concern among medical workers. These are microclimate, lighting and working equipment (47.0%, 37.8% and 24.0%, respectively). A number of devices inspected in the physiotherapy room exceeded hygienic standards for alternating electric and magnetic field intensity. Analysis of air pollution in the physiotherapy department working area showed that some of the harmful chemicals exceeded permissible exposure limits. The results of the special assessment of working conditions performed at branches of the Medical Research Center showed that a high percentage of medical workers was exposed to harmful biological factors and high severity of the labor process. Conclusion. Physical and chemical factors are the greatest workplace hazards for healthcare workers at health resorts. However, a special assessment of working conditions showed that the biological factor was the most significant one across all professional groups.

Knowledge and expressed practices regarding needle stick injury among housekeeping staff: A descriptive survey

Background: Needle stick injury (NSI) is an accidental skin penetrating wound from a hollow bore needle. It is one of the most common occupational hazards for health care workers. Aims: The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and expressed practices regarding needle stick injuries among housekeeping staff. Setting and Design: The research design was a descriptive survey, and research was conducted on housekeeping staff employed at a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: 225 housekeeping staff were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. A self-structured questionnaire and checklist were used to assess their knowledge and practices regarding needle stick injuries. SPSS was used for the analysis of data through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: In the present study, out of 225 subjects, 11.11% of respondents had poor, 37.33% had average, 36.88% had good, and 14.66% had excellent knowledge regarding NSI. Knowledge was significantly associated with education and year of working experience. In total, 4% of the respondents had poor, 34.66% had average, 35.11% had good, and 26.22% had excellent expressed practices regarding NSI. Expressed practices were significantly associated with education and prior exposure to NSI. A moderate positive correlation was present between knowledge and expressed practices. Conclusion: The study concluded that knowledge and practices about needle stick injury were average among housekeeping staff. The areas of concern identified were: risks associated with NSIs, no use of personal protective equipment (rubber gloves), and recapping of needles. These gaps in knowledge and expressed practices can be addressed by educating them.

Needle stick injury and health care workers: Scenario at GMC Akola, Maharashtra

Introduction: Needle stick injuries are the most common occupational hazard for health care workers as well as they carry the highest risk of transmission of various blood borne infections. The greatest menace are hepatitis B and hepatitis C followed by HIV. The present study was carried out to determine the incidence of needle stick injury (NSI) among the health care workers (HCWs) and also the efficacy of preventive strategy. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at ICTC-1 (Voluntary counselling and testing centre), Department of Microbiology, GMC Akola which is a 600 bedded, tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India. The study was carried out over two and half years from April 2015 to October 2017 on various HCWs. Data was collected from ICTC-1 and follow up of patient was done up to 6 months. Biomedical waste (BMW) management workshops and training were also conducted every 6 months. Results: A total of 318 HCWs who were exposed to NSI visited ICTC-1. The highest rate was found among intern doctors (31.44%) and waste handlers (29.87%) followed by student nurses (20.44%), staff sister/brother (11.32%), laboratory technician (5%) and senior doctors (1.88%). There has been increased reporting and awareness among the HCWs due to the regular workshops and training programmes for BMW management. Conclusion: A lot needs to be done to reduce the burden of NSI. Substitution of needles with safe, newer devices, adequate training of health care workers regarding safe use and disposal of needles, post exposure prophylaxis, vaccination (Hepatitis B) might change the scenario. Keywords: Needle stick injury, Waste disposal, Biomedical waste management, Occupational health hazards.

Determination of the optimal time for N95 respirator for aerosol infection control.

The transmission of tuberculosis has been declared as an important occupational hazard for health care workers of tuberculosis dispensary. Here, we evaluated the filtration efficiency and respiratory resistance of different respirators along with the increase of wear time.Filter efficiency and breathing resistance were tested to determine the performance of different types of respirators, and the N95 respirator were simulatively worn by volunteers to determine the optimal time for N95 respirator as a tuberculosis control measure.N95 respirator had the highest filtration efficiency (97.4% ± 0.3%), whereas the surgical mask could only prevent 18.4% of aerosol particles to penetrate inside the respirator. In addition, N95 respirator and surgical mask had the highest and lowest exhalation resistance (13.8 ± 0.9 mmH2O vs. 1.8 ± 0.2 mmH2O), respectively. When the volunteers wore the N95 respirator for 3 days, the average filtration efficiency was 97.0%. In addition, there were no significant differences in the exhalation resistance of N95 respirator, ranging from 13.8 ± 0.9 mmH2O of 0 day to 11.6 ± 0.9 mmH2O of 14 days.Our results demonstrate that only N95 respirator provides promising protective efficiency for health care workers against tuberculosis. In addition, N95 respirator could produce adequate protective efficacy after 3-day wear time.

Hepatitis B vaccination status among medical students at a tertiary institution in North-East Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is ranked among the top ten killers by the World Health Organisation. It is a public health problem, highly infectious and an occupational hazard for Health care workers. Nigeria is endemic for HBV with an estimated 20 million people infected. Though vaccine preventable, medical students are outside the age group which benefits from the introduction of HBV vaccine into the National immunization schedule and are a high risk group for HBV infection. We studied the HBV vaccination status of medical students who commenced clinical training to determine their risk of infection. Methods and materials: A cross sectional study was conducted among medical students who commenced clinical training at a tertiary institution in north-western Nigeria. All consenting students were recruited into the study. Those less than 18 years of age and students infected with HBV were excluded. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire with sections on demography, knowledge of HBV and HBV vaccination status. Data was analysed using Epi Info version 7.1.06. Results: Overall, 176 consenting students were recruited. Of these, 118 (67%) respondents were male, 172 (97.7%) were single and mean age of respondents was 22 ± 2 years. Most respondents, 172 (97.7%) had heard of HBV and common sources of information were lectures 146 (84.9%) and literature 51 (29.7%). Most respondents, 169 (96%) knew their training predisposed them to HBV infection though more than half, 94 (53.4%) were not vaccinated against HBV. The commonest reason for non-vaccination was lack of access 53 (56.4%). Of all respondents, majority, 142 (80.7%) had not received HBV vaccine before commencement of clinical training. Conclusion: Medical students in training at this institution are exposed to infection with HBV. We recommend the School authority develop policies on HBV vaccination for medical students before commencement of clinical training.

Workplace Violence against Healthcare Workers in Health Services Organizations

Abstract The healthcare environment is one of the most complex and dangerous occupational hazards for healthcare workers, especially nurses. The complexity of a culture of patient-related violence and the nature of their jobs place healthcare workers at risk for violence on the job. Workplace violence is a profoundly serious issue and continues to be a growing problem in the United States. This paper is a brief literature review of workplace violence against healthcare workers in health services organizations. These sections will be discussed (a) common workplaces where violence occurs; (b)types of workplace violence; (c)workplace violence against healthcare workers in health services organizations displayed in a conceptual model; (d) mental health and physiological problems of workplace violence on healthcare workers; (e) cost of workplace violence in health services organizations; and (e) strategies for prevention. Healthcare administrators are obligated to provide a safe environment for patients and staff. However, numerous guidelines have been developed, workplace violence continues to be at an increased rate. Continuous research studies are needed to improve the safety of healthcare workers in their diverse work settings. Also, more research is needed in healthcare settings with limited research.

Cross-sectional study assessing the risk of needlestick injury from an insulin pen among nursing care providers.

ObjectiveNeedlestick injuries caused by insulin pen injection are a serious occupational hazard for health care workers in China. We evaluated the prevalence of stick injuries with insulin pen injection and identified associated risk factors.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted from 1 October to 30 November 2018 in two tier three hospitals in Chongqing, China. Self-administered questionnaires were developed by the Chinese Nursing Association Diabetes Care Special Committee. We analyzed associations between potential risk factors and injuries at different operational steps.ResultsA total 233 of 302 (77%) participants (mean age 28.5±5.3 years) reported a needlestick incident. Most respondents (49%) had 3 to 10 years’ working experience and had received injection safety training. Most needlestick injuries occurred while recapping needles after injection. The risk of injury was significantly associated with department and job position. The injury rate increased with increased number of years worked. Respondents with ≥10 years working experience reported the highest needle-capping injury rate (88%): odds ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 3.69.ConclusionRecapping needles after injection showed the highest risk for stick injury with an insulin pen. Nurses in the surgery department and those with longer work histories were more likely to be injured.

Prevalence of positive TST among healthcare workers in high-burden TB setting in Peru

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) transmission has long been recognized as an important occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs). HCWs have a 5.8% annual risk of exposure and three times greater risk of developing active TB than the general population.MethodsWe conducted an observational cross-sectional study between September 2014 and March 2015 among HCWs in a high-burden TB setting in Lima to estimate the prevalence of positive Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and to investigate factors associated with a positive TST.ResultsTwo hundred forty participants were included in the analysis; TST was administered to 190 (79.2%) while the rest were exempt due to a previous positive TST result, history of TB, or test refusal. A positive TST result was found among 56.2% of participants to whom the TST was applied (95% CI: 49.22–63.55%). When considering those who had a previous positive TST result and those with a history of TB, the prevalence of a positive TST result was 64.3% (95% CI: 57.8–70.3%). No significant differences were observed between clinical/paramedical and administrative staff in the health center. The use of N95 masks during work hours was reported by 142 (69.9%) participants. Prevalence ratios (PR) show that workers with more than 120 months as a HCW were 1.44 times more likely to be TST positive. The multivariate analysis found that HCWs with over 10 years of service were 1.52 times more likely to be TST positive.ConclusionThis study supports previous reports that TB infection is an occupational hazard for HCWs. Prevention of TB transmission through control measures, as well as timely diagnosis of LTBI in this particular high-risk group, is critical for individual and public health.

Awareness, Attitude and Vaccination Status Regarding Hepatitis B amongStaff Nurses of a Teaching Hospital in North India

Background: Hepatitis B is a well-documented occupational hazard for health care workers, including both doctor and paramedical personals. Vaccination is the best way by which one can arm oneself against Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The present study was conducted to assess awareness, attitude and vaccination status of staff nurses of a teaching hospital in north India. Materials and Method: All the staff nurses (170) who gave consent to participate in the study were enrolled in the study. A self-structured close ended questionnaire comprising of three parts was used to collect information. First part comprised of questions on demography, second part assessed subjects’ awareness regarding HBV infection and third part comprised of questions on immunization status. Chi-square test and multiple linear regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 24.9 ± 6.8 years. Awareness regarding HBV infection was present among 94.7% (161) of subjects. Universal Precautions were followed by 81.8% (139) of subjects. Only 18.8% (32) subjects were following correct method of disposal of Biomedical Waste (BMW). The odds of getting immunized were 4.46 times greater in subjects who had awareness of Hepatitis B infection than those who did not. Conclusion: Awareness regarding HBV injection and its coverage was high among the subjects. Very few subjects were aware regarding correct route of transmission emphasizing the need for effective intervention programmes designed to increase knowledge about HBV infection.

Skin exposure to the rubber accelerator diphenylguanidine in medical gloves-An experimental study.

Dermatitis caused by occupational contact allergy to rubber additives such as diphenylguanidine (DPG) in medical gloves is a hazard for healthcare workers. Both the duration of exposure to medical gloves and the number of gloves used per day vary. The use of alcoholic skin disinfectants before glove donning is mandatory. To assess whether skin exposure to the rubber accelerator DPG released from glove material is influenced by alcoholic hand disinfectants, time, and pH. With the use of ethanol washes, the amount of DPG left on the hands after wearing of gloves for 60 minutes was measured, and comparisons between hands exposed and not exposed to alcoholic disinfectant before glove donning were made. With the use of artificial sweat buffered at pH 4, 5, and 6, DPG release from the insides of gloves at different times was measured. The use of alcoholic disinfectant prior to polyisoprene glove donning increased the amount of DPG recovered from the hands. Of the DPG released from polyisoprene gloves into artificial sweat, almost 84% was released within 10 minutes. pH did not influence the rate of release. The use of alcoholic disinfectant increased skin exposure to the rubber accelerator DPG. Even a short duration of use of gloves results in substantial exposure to DPG.

Comparison of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding needle-stick injury among health care providers.

Introduction:Needle-stick injury (NSI) is one of the most potential hazards for health care workers. They pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens. The present study was done to determine the incidence of NSI among interns and nurses; their knowledge, attitude, and preventive strategies undertaken by the respondents after NSI.Materials and Methods:The cross-sectional study was done among interns and nurses in various departments of a tertiary care center in Kerala, India using a self-administered questionnaire.Results:The incidences of NSI among interns and nurses were 75.6% and 24.4%, respectively. The most common clinical activity leading to NSI among interns was blood withdrawal (42%) followed by recapping (29%). It was found that nurses had enough knowledge and followed better NSI practices and attitude than the interns.Conclusion:All the parameters analyzed were inadequate among the interns, indicating the need for continual awareness programs particularly during the preclinical years.

European Recommendations for the Management of Healthcare Workers Occupationally Exposed to Hepatitis

Exposure prevention is the primary strategy to reduce the risk of occupational bloodborne pathogen infections in healthcare workers (HCW). HCWs should be made aware of the medicolegal and clinical relevance of reporting an exposure, and have ready access to expert consultants to receive appropriate counselling, treatment and follow-up. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV), and demonstration of immunisation before employment are strongly recommended. HCWs with postvaccinal anti-HBs levels, 1-2 months after vaccine completion, .or=10 mIU/mL are considered as responders. Responders are protected against HBV infection: booster doses of vaccine or periodic antibody concentration testing are not recommended. Alternative strategies to overcome non-response should be adopted. Isolated anti-HBc positive HCWs should be tested for anti-HBcIgM and HBV-DNA: if negative, anti-HBs response to vaccination can distinguish between infection (anti-HBs .or=50 mIU/ml 30 days after 1st vaccination: anamnestic response) and false positive results(anti-HBs .or=10 mUI/ml 30 days after 3rd vaccination: primary response); true positive subjects have resistance to re-infection. and do not need vaccination The management of an occupational exposure to HBV differs according to the susceptibility of the exposed HCW and the serostatus of the source. When indicated, post-exposure prophylaxis with HBV vaccine, hepatitis B immunoglobulin or both must be started as soon as possible (within 1-7 days). In the absence of prophylaxis against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, follow-up management of HCV exposures depends on whether antiviral treatment during the acute phase is chosen. Test the HCW for HCV-Ab at baseline and after 6 months; up to 12 for HIV-HCV co-infected sources. If treatment is recommended, perform ALT (amino alanine transferase) activity at baseline and monthly for 4 months after exposure, and qualitative HCV-RNA when an increase is detected. Introduction Bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) represent an important hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs) (1). In the general population, HCV prevalence varies geographically from about 0.5% in northern countries to 2% in Mediterranean countries, with some 5 million chronic carriers estimated in Europe; while HBV prevalence ranges from 0.3% to 3%. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year in Europe 304 000 HCWs are exposed to at least one percutaneous injury with a sharp object contaminated with HBV, 149 000 are exposed to HCV and 22 000 to HIV. The probability of acquiring a bloodborne infection following an occupational exposure has been estimated to be on average.

A study on knowledge attitude and practices related to hepatitis B infection among nursing students of government nursing college, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Background: Hepatitis-B virus is a potentially critical and familiar occupational hazard for health care workers including nursing students particularly those who are exposed to the populations whose HBsAg prevalence is high. The aim of the study was to assess the Hepatitis-B - knowledge, perception and vaccination status among nursing students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh in July 2016, among nursing students of Government Nursing College, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. Using purposive sampling data was collected via a pre-tested self- administered questionnaire. Overall 218 nursing students participated in the study. Statistical analysis was done using Stata version 12.1. Chi square test was used to identify any statistically significant difference among the nursing batches.Results: The study found that only 18.9% of the 1st year students are vaccinated. Knowledge regarding treatment options was found out to be significantly (p<0.05) low among all nursing batches.Conclusions: There is lack of knowledge among all students regarding its treatment. Only 18.97% of the 1st year students reported to be vaccinated which puts them at a greater risk of acquiring the infection in future. Therefore, it is recommended that they should get themselves vaccinated before entering clinical rotations. More studies should be conducted on nursing/ medical staff to assess their knowledge on Hepatitis B infection in tribal areas which have high prevalence.

Needle stick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) among housekeepers in a Saudi hospital: An intervention study

Needle stick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) are a risk factor for blood-borne infections in healthcare facilities, yet they are preventable occupational hazards for health care workers. We estimated the frequency of NSIs among housekeeping workers compared with other healthcare workers and evaluated the effect of preventive measures to reduce these injuries in housekeeping workers. The study was conducted in one Saudi Arabian hospital in 2011. NSSIs were analyzed retrospectively and an intervention for housekeepers that included 43 sessions of education and increased resources and supervision was implemented in 2012. Evaluation measures included monitoring sharp disposal compliance, reports of improperly disposed sharps, use of heavy duty gloves, Hepatitis B vaccination, and the frequency of NSSIs during 2012 and 2013. Chi square and Fisher's exact tests were used for comparison between groups and pre-post intervention. In 2011 NSSIs rates were 17.8% for housekeeping staff, 3.7% for nurses and 1.3% for doctors, although injury frequency varied by department. Also, 15% of housekeepers were immune to HBV and 21% used heavy duty gloves during waste management. During 2012and 2013 NSSIs rate dropped significantly to 9.6% and 2.7% and HBV immunization increased to 78.1% and 100%; respectively. Heavy duty gloves usage improved to 100%. Improper sharp disposal reports decreased from 15.1% in 2012 to 5.5% in 2013. Sharp disposal compliance improved from 35.6% to 78.1% in 2012 and 2013; respectively. Continuous training of housekeepers about proper sharps disposal is the responsibility of infection control team. However, continuous monitoring along with continuous training programs and resources adequacy is needed to maintain this improvement.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C among Dental Technicans Admitted to Occupational Diseases Hospital

Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are blood borne pathogens which are the major cause of viral hepatitis. And they are important occupational hazards for health care workers. In this we investigated the seroprevalance of HBV and HCV among dental technicans. Materials and method: Sera samples were analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B antibody (Anti-HBs) and hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV) in dental technicans who work in Ankara. Results: Total of serology results of 583 dental technicans were evaluated. HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti-HCV were detected in 3.08%, 45.9% and 0%, respectively. Conclusion: Dental technicans are not at risks for HBV and HCV more than the normal population.

Repeated vaccinations do not improve specific immune defenses against Hepatitis B in non-responder health care workers

Hepatitis B is a major infectious occupational hazard for health care workers and can be prevented with a safe and effective vaccine. The serum titer of anti-HBsAg antibodies is the most commonly used correlate of protection and post-vaccination anti-HBsAg concentrations of ≥10mIU/ml are considered protective. Subjects with post-vaccination anti-HBsAg titers of <10mIU/ml 1–6 months post-vaccination, who tested negative for HBsAg and anti-HBc, are defined as non-responders. The question of whether non-responders should be repeatedly vaccinated is still open.The aim of the study was to (i) evaluate the distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations and the percentage of HBsAg-specific memory B cells in responders and non-responders (ii) assess whether non-responders can be induced to produce antibodies after administration of a booster dose of vaccine (iii) determine whether booster vaccination increases the number of specific memory B cells in non-responders.Combining flow-cytometry, ELISPOT and serology we tested the integrity and function of the immune system in 24 health care workers, confirmed to be non-responders after at least three vaccine injections. We compared the results with those obtained in 21 responders working in the same institution.We found that the great majority of the non-responders had a functional immune system and a preserved ability to respond to other conventional antigens. Our most important findings are that the frequency of HBsAg-specific memory B cells is comparable in non-responders and controls and that booster immunization does not lead either to antibody production or memory B cell increase in non-responders.

The Prevalence of Accidental Needle Stick Injury and their Reporting among Healthcare Workers in Orthopaedic Wards in General Hospital Melaka, Malaysia.

Background :Accidental needle-stick injuries (NSIs) are a hazard for health-care workers and general public health. Orthopaedic surgeons may be more prone to NSIs due to the prevalence of bone spikes in the operative field and the use of sharp orthopaedic instruments such as drills, saws and wires. A hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted in the orthopedic wards of Melaka General Hospital. The prevalence of NSIs was 32 (20.9%) and majority of it occurred during assisting in operation theatre 13(37.4%). Among them six (18.8%) were specialist, 12(37.5%) medical officer, 10 (31.2%) house officer and four staff nurses (12.5%). Among the respondents 142 (92.8%) had been immunized against Hepatitis B and 148 (96.7%) participants had knowledge regarding universal precaution. The incidence of NSI among health care workers at orthopaedics ward was not any higher in comparison with the similar studies and it was found out that the prevalence was more in junior doctors compared with specialist and staff nurses and it was statistically significant. Needle sticks injury, health care workers, and standard precaution.

Workplace violence and occupational stress in healthcare workers: a chicken-and-egg situation-results of a 6-year follow-up study.

Violence at work (WV) is an important occupational hazard for health care workers (HCWs). A number of surveys addressing the causes and effects of WV have shown that it is associated with work-related stress. However, it is not clear what direction this relationship takes, that is, whether job strain facilitates aggression against HCWs or WV is the cause of job strain. From 2003 to 2009, HCWs from a public health care unit were asked to self-assess their level of work-related stress and to report aggression that occurred in the 12-month period preceding their routine medical examination. In 2009, physical and mental health and job satisfaction were also assessed. A total of 698 out of 723 HCWs (96.5%) completed the study. Job strain and lack of social support were predictors of the occurrence of nonphysical aggression during the ensuing year. HCWs who experienced WV reported high strain and low support at work in the following year. The experience of nonphysical violence and a prolonged state of strain and social isolation were significant predictors of psychological problems and bad health at follow-up. The relationship between work-related distress and WV is bidirectional. The monitoring of workers through questionnaires distributed before their periodic examination is a simple and effective way of studying WV and monitoring distress. The findings of the present study may facilitate the subsequent design of participatory intervention for the prevention of violence in healthcare facilities. This should always be accompanied by measures designed to reduce strain and improve social support.

Hepatitis B Immunisation amongst doctors and laboratory personnel in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most easily transmitted blood-borne pathogen and is an occupational hazard for health care workers (HCWs). Despite the fact that infection is preventable through vaccination and post-exposure immunoglobulin therapy, many HCWs are unaware of the risks of HBV infection and of appropriate preventative measures. This study is unique in the South African setting as it focuses on the exposure, attitude and knowledge of doctors to HBV infection.MethodThis was an observational descriptive study. Records of the HBV immune status of all doctors who reported an occupational injury (OI) to the occupational health clinic between June 2010 and May 2011 were reviewed. A structured questionnaire was then distributed to all laboratory personnel and senior doctors employed at the hospital.ResultsOf the 67 doctors who reported an OI, 39% (26 out of 67) had no HBV immunity and only 19% (5 out of 26) had received Hepatitis B immunoglobulin. Of the 78 doctors who completed the questionnaire, 65% (51 out of 78) reported at least one OI during their career. Fifty-six percent of the respondents were unaware of their HBV immune status and only 31% had received a booster within the previous 5 years.ConclusionPoor compliance of HCWs to HBV vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis is a concern. In-service training is needed to inform staff of the efficacy of HBV vaccination and immunoglobulin therapy.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Hepatitis B among Patient Porters of the Training and Treatment Hospitals of Rafsanjan, 2011

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that is potentially life-threatening and is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected one. Hepatitis B is, therefore, an important professional hazard for health care workers. This aim of this study was to assess the practical knowledge of hepatitis B among the patient porters of the training and treatment hospitals of Rafsanjan. Material and Methods: This descriptive study is a crosssectional study utilizing a self-made questionnaire comprised of four sections on demographic information, attitude towards hepatitis B, knowledge of hepatitis B, and practical measures against hepatitis B. Face and content validity and reliability of the questionnaire was performed. After the completion of the questionnaire, parametric and non-parametric tests were conducted to assess the relationship between the study variables. A P value &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In this study, 86 individuals filled the questionnaires (response rate =86%). Results showed that the most prevalent age was between 31 and 40 years old (60%), the dominant sex was male (62.4%), the majority had more than ten years of work experience (64.5%), and a high percentage had a middle school educational level (45.9%). Our results also showed that the majority of the respondents had received training about hepatitis B, and there was no significant relation between some demographic information such as work place and educational level and knowledge, attitude, and practice about hepatitis B. Conclusion: The degree of knowledge, attitude, and practice in regard to hepatitis B among the patient porters of the training and treatment hospitals of Rafsanjan was favorable. [GMJ. 2012;1(2):60-65]