Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Occupational HIV Exposure and Protection among Health Care Workers in China

Qian Wu, Xiao Fei Xue, Dimpy Shah, Jian Zhao, Lu Yu Hwang, Gui Hua Zhuang

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    9 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Background: Health care workers (HCWs) seek, treat, and care for patients living with HIV/AIDS on a daily basis and thus face a significant risk to work-related infections. To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding occupational HIV exposure and protection among HCWs in low HIV prevalence areas of rural China. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among all medical units in Pucheng County, Shaanxi, China. Results: Response rate of this study was 94%. The average overall knowledge score of HCWs was 10.9 of 21.0. Deficiencies in general, transmission, exposure, and protection knowledge were identified among HCWs at all levels. A high rate of occupational exposure (85%) and lack of universal precautions practice behavior were recorded. Significant predictors of universal precautions practice behavior were female sex, prior training, and greater knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Health care workers at various levels have inadequate knowledge on HIV/AIDS and do not practice universal precautions. Nurses and medical technicians at the county level faced more occupation risk than other HCWs. The key of AIDS training for different levels of HCWs should be distinguished.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)363-369
    Number of pages7
    JournalJournal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care
    Volume15
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Sep 1 2016

    Keywords

    • HIV
    • health care workers
    • occupational exposure
    • prevention

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Immunology
    • Dermatology
    • Infectious Diseases

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