Knowledge and Practices of Healthcare Workers in Relation to Bloodborne Pathogens in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Western Saudi Arabia

Abstract

To assess knowledge and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) in relation to bloodborne pathogens in a tertiary care hospital, western Saudi Arabia. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed assessing demographic characteristics, knowledge and practices of physicians, nurses and technicians on risks of exposure and prophylaxis against human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections. A total of 466 participants (151; 32.4 % physicians and 315; 67.6 % nurses/technicians) completed the questionnaire. Almost two thirds of the physicians (60.9 %) and half of the nurses/technicians (47.6 %) had history of exposure to risks of bloodborne infection. Although both physicians and nurses/technicians showed acceptable level of knowledge about risks of bloodborne infections, modest proportion knew the correct actions including reporting following exposure. Behavioral-based in-service training interventions and strict policy should be implemented to promote compliance of HCWs to the protective measures against hazards of bloodborne infection.

Gender differences in practicing standard precautions against blood-borne pathogens among surgeons at a tertiary care center: A cross-sectional study

“…[2] However, surgeons do not seem to realize that as it has been clearly proven by this study and previous other studies which revealed low adherence to CDC standard precaution guidelines. [13,15,18,[24][25][26][27] HBV vaccine is necessary for HCWs, especially surgeons. [2] Other studies have found low HBV vaccination status among surgeons.…”

“…[8,11,14,21] All these studies suggest that there were varying degrees of noncompliance to practice the standard precautions to prevent blood-borne pathogen transmission. [15,17,18,[24][25][26][27] Although surgeons perform high-risk procedures and are at high risk of acquiring blood-borne pathogens, only insignificant number of surgeons in different specialties practice the recommended prevention strategies such as wearing DG. [15,18,[25][26][27] Therefore, in this study, we assessed the surgeons' concerns and awareness of the practices of standard precautions in different surgical specialties in all surgical positions, with focus on highlighting possible gender differences.…”