Prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in healthcare workers.
OBJECTIVE
To study the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases offered to healthcare workers (HCWs) in Thailand.


METHODS
Data were collected by interviewing in 2002.


RESULTS
A total 1,218 HCWs in 33 hospitals were interviewed. Nurses and doctors were the majority group, accounting for 31.5% and 30.5% respectively. Pre-employement health screenings were done by physical examination in 56.0% and chest X-ray in 55.7% and immunization against hepatitis B and tubuculosis were offered in 17.7% and 11.4% respectively. Annual physical examination and chest x-ray were done in 66.3% and 76.9%. Reported infection with hepatitis A hepatitis B, tuberculosis in HCWs were as high as 16.8%, 4.0% and 2.6% respectively. Only 3.5% to 24.3% of HCWs ever read guidelines on the prevention of infection. Existing laws allowed the implementation of prevention, treatment and compensation in case of occupationally acquired infection in HCWs.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of infection in HCWs was implemented far below the ideal level. They should be better protected under existing laws.
Danchaivijitr
Somwang
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok. sisdc@mahidol.ac.th
Rongrungruang
Yong
Y
Boonchsalermvipas
Sawaeng
S
Gusalanan
Amnaj
A
Tuntiwattanapibul
Yuwadee
Y
D000328:Adult; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D010808:Physical Examination; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand