Author/Authors :
Kabbash, I.A. University of Tanta - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Public Health, Egypt , El-Sayed, N.M. Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt , Al-Nawawy, A.N. Al-Azhar University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Public Health, Egypt , Abou Salem, M.EI-S. University of Menoufia - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Public Health, Egypt , El-Deek, B. University of Mansoura - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Public Health, Egypt , Hassan, N.M. University of Tanta - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Public Health, Egypt
Abstract :
A cross-sectional study was made in 32 haemodialysis units in the the Nile delta, Egypt to evaluate knowledge and practices towards risk of HIV infection by 317 health care workers. Exposure to needlestick injury was reported by 48.6% in the previous year. Significantly more workers in government units than in private units had good knowledge of bloodborne infections, universal blood precautions and safe disposal of contaminated items, and recognized asymptomatic HIV patients as a risk. Previous training, but not years of experience, influenced knowledge. Despite good knowledge, the performance of health workers was poor for universal blood precautions, and was worse in private haemodialysis units.
