Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Medical students' risk of infection with bloodborne viruses at home and abroad: questionnaire survey [see comments]
BMJ. 1999 Jan 16;318(7177):158-60. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99105866 Gamester CF; Tilzey AJ; Banatvala JE; Guy's, King's College, and St Thomas's School of Medicine, St; Thomas's Campus, London SE1 7EH.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To determine risks of exposure to and prevention of bloodborne virus infections among medical students during their elective period. DESIGN: Questionnaire study of students returning from their electives in 1997-8. SETTING: Urban teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: 220 final year medical students. RESULTS: 148 students (67%) returned questionnaires; all had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. 65 respondents (44%) had visited areas of relatively high endemicity for HIV, although 27 (42%) of these, all of whom had visited areas other than sub-Saharan Africa, were unaware of this. All but one had discussed their elective with advisers. Four students experienced percutaneous or mucosal exposure to potentially infectious body fluids, three in areas with a high prevalence of HIV infection. 44 respondents (30%) had experienced at least one such exposure during their clinical training; 75% of these exposures were unreported. 34% (13/38) students who visited areas known to have a high prevalence of HIV infection took with them a starter pack of zidovudine for post-exposure prophylaxis; 53% (20) took latex gloves and 63% (24) a medi-kit. None of the 27 students who were unaware that the areas they visited had a relatively high prevalence of HIV infection took zidovudine; only 15% (4) took gloves and 30% (8) a medi-kit. CONCLUSIONS: Medical schools should produce, regularly update, and implement guidelines regarding protection from bloodborne viruses during clinical studies, including electives. Education and training in infection control should start at the earliest opportunity.
Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE *Blood-Borne Pathogens Health Surveys Human HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/TRANSMISSION Prevalence Questionnaires Risk Factors *Students, Medical *Travel Virus Diseases/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION World Health Comment in: BMJ 1999 Jan 16;318(7177):139-40
990530
A9950957
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
