ABSTRACT
A study on the knowledge, compliance and attitudes of doctors and nurses on "universal precautions" (U.P.) was done by questionnaire in April 1993. Four hundred and sixty-nine doctors and 4,554 nurses from 35 hospitals throughout Thailand responded. Almost all doctors and nurses understood the definition of U.P.. The latter were correctly applied in less than half of the personnel. A significant number of doctors and nurses required HIV screening tests and isolation of patients with HIV infections. Most doctors and nurses knew that sharp injuries were the most important cause of acquiring HIV infection in health-care settings. Those who are more vulnerable to injury would take more precautions. Up to a quarter of doctors and nurses did not fully understand how to use protective barriers properly. The practice of handwashing needs to be improved. Both doctors and nurses were willing to take care of HIV infected patients. They supported the application of U.P. as a safety measure. Welfare support for health-care workers who have contacted HIV at work is also expected.
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.
