title: Infection Management and Health Practices Among Forensic Science Investigators in South Korea.
abstract: This study investigated the current status of infection management for forensic science investigators in South Korea. This study included 104 forensic science investigators, of which 97.1% were exposed to the blood or body fluids of corpses during handling. Of these investigators, 98% claimed they wore gloves, and 12.9% used double-layered gloves. A total of 70.6% of the participants with relevant work experience wore masks to reduce infection risk; 43% wore gowns and goggles when at risk of contracting an infection. Furthermore, 59.8% of the investigators with pertinent work experience sought appropriate first aid and treatment when they experienced contaminated skin cuts or stab wounds. Working conditions and other problems should be analyzed consistently with the cooperation of employees, occupational health practitioners, and relevant organizations to prevent work-associated infections among forensic science investigators.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing Science, Sun Moon University.
authors.forename: Kyeong-Sook
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health, Kongju National University.
authors.forename: Ok-Hee
authors.initials: OH
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea ysyoo@catholic.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Yang-Sook
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Yoo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D044707:Forensic Sciences; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D009785:Occupational Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D000067393:Personal Protective Equipment; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: forensic science; health practices; infection management; occupational health