Needlestick injuries among medical students.
BACKGROUND
Concern about occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens exists, and medical students, who lack in experience in patient care and surgical technique, may be at an increased exposure risk.


METHODS
This prospective cohort study evaluated needlestick injuries and practices regarding the use of protective strategies against bloodborne pathogens in medical students. A questionnaire was developed and sent to 224 medical students.


RESULTS
Of 224 students, 146 students (64%) returned questionnaires. Forty-three students (30%) reported needlestick injuries that most commonly occurred in the operating room; 86% of students reported always using double gloves in the operating room; 90% reported always wearing eye protection, and all but one student had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. A concern about contracting a bloodborne pathogen through work was noted in 125 students, although they usually reported that this concern only slightly influenced their decision regarding a career subspecialty.


CONCLUSIONS
Medical students have a high risk for needlestick injuries, and attention should be directed to protection strategies against bloodborne pathogens.
Patterson
J Megan M
JM
Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Novak
Christine B
CB
Mackinnon
Susan E
SE
Ellis
Ramsey A
RA
D000328:Adult; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016635:Universal Precautions