Universal precautions: knowledge, compliance and attitudes of doctors and nurses in Thailand.

ABSTRACT

PIP: Medical personnel and patients are at risk of acquiring HIV in health care settings. Special measures have therefore been introduced to reduce the risk of HIV transmission in such settings. These recommendations, known as "universal precautions", have been accepted and implemented in many countries. The essence of the recommendations is accident prevention, the application of protective barriers, and proper disinfection. Universal precautions have been applied in Thailand since 1991. This study investigates the knowledge, compliance, and attitudes of doctors and nurses in Thailand with regard to such measures. Questionnaires were sent to doctors and nurses working in government hospitals in 1993; 468 doctors and 4539 nurses responded. 94.9% of physicians and 85.5% of nurses were knowledgeable of universal precautions, but only 47.1% of the doctors and 27.9% of nurses reported that they would take precautions with all patients. The rest would apply universal precautions with patients known to be infected with HIV. 71.9% of doctors and 81.6% of nurses knew that sharp injuries is the main cause of HIV transmission to health care personnel. Only 75% of doctors and 47% of nurses washed their hands after caring for patients, and 16% of doctors and 50% of nurses rubbed their hands with alcohol after washing them with an antiseptic. These health practitioners had positive attitudes about their careers and stated their willingness to continue working even with the specter of HIV/AIDS.