The Cross-Sectional Study of attitudes towards risk factors of viral infections transmitted by blood-borne pathogens.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was threefold To assess risk factors of blood-borne pathogen exposure and viral infection for employees at their workplace, to spot the differences between groups of respondents without exposure and those exposed to blood-borne infections, and to identify main risk predictors. METHOD: The Cross-Sectional Study was conducted, surveying 203 employees, at the Institute for Emergency Medical Services in Serbia, which were eligible to enter the study and surveyed by Previously Developed Questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 97.60% of respondents have perceived risk at their workplace, but there were low numbers of HIV, HbcAg, and Anti-HCV testing and poor percent of vaccination for hepatitis B. There were no statistically significant differences between spotted groups of respondents in their attitudes. Three variables were predictors accidental usedneedle stick injuries (OR = 90.34; 95% CI, 8.79-928.03), contact with the blood of patientsthrough the skin (OR = 176.94; 95% CI, 24.95-1254.61), and the years of service (OR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-1.00). CONCLUSION: The significance of this study is that it points to a double risk, because not only health workers are endangered, but also citizens who receive first aid.