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Paramedics: knowledge base and attitudes towards AIDS and hepatitis
R K Cydulka1, J J Mathews, M Born
1Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Educational seminars improved paramedics' knowledge of AIDS and hepatitis B but did not reduce fear of AIDS. Paramedics underestimated hepatitis B risks and had low vaccination rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Paramedics face occupational exposure risks to bloodborne pathogens like AIDS and hepatitis B.
- Understanding healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of educational seminars on paramedics' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding AIDS and hepatitis B.
- To identify gaps in understanding and vaccination uptake among paramedics.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous, voluntary surveys administered to 420 paramedics from a large metropolitan fire department.
- Pre- and post-seminar assessments (implied) to evaluate knowledge and attitude changes.
Main Results:
- Educational interventions significantly improved knowledge of AIDS manifestations, risk factors, transmission, and infection control.
- Seminars did not reduce paramedics' fear of contracting AIDS.
- Paramedics underestimated their risk for hepatitis B, with only 17% vaccinated despite prior training.
- A discrepancy exists between perceived AIDS risk and actual hepatitis B risk perception.
Conclusions:
- While knowledge of AIDS improved, fear persists, indicating a need for targeted psychological support.
- Further education is required to emphasize hepatitis B as a significant occupational health risk and increase vaccination rates.
- Comprehensive strategies are needed to address both knowledge deficits and attitudinal barriers in healthcare workers' response to infectious diseases.