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.
DESCRIPTORES
Occupational Risks; Vaccination; Infections; Education; Delivery of Health Care