UNIVERSAL WORK PRECAUTIONS AMONG HEALTH WORKERS IN PRIVATE INSTITUTES.

Abstract

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the awareness of health workers about universal work precautions and implementation of their knowledge  in private institutes of Latur. Methodology Cross-sectional study of  health  workers was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, which enquired about knowledge, attitude and practices of universal work precautions. Results: 210 questionnaires were sent to health workers and 150 of them were returned giving a response rate of 72%. 96% of the participants were aware of universal work precautions.  Out of 150 participants 53.33% were injured while working and 68.75%  of them used  the first aid box.  All the participants wore gloves during laboratory work but 53.43 %  wore a single pair. 47.94 % of the participants claimed to know what to do if exposed to infection. 5.33%  of  the participants  ate  in  the  laboratory, 2.22% of them stored foods and water in the refrigerators, 2.22% of  them  put  on  cosmetics  in  the  laboratory.  61.33% were immunized against hepatitis B virus (HBV). 47.94% of them  did take shower immediately after laboratory work.  58.0% of the participants  did not feel that the use of masks is necessary at the place of work. Conclusion:  The knowledge, attitude and practical   implementation   of universal work precautions amongst health workers is poor.