Knowledge of occupational diseases and immunization among healthcare students

Authors

  • Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia Universidade Estadual da Paraíba
  • Eveline Sales Rocha Universidade Estadual da Paraíba
  • Raulison Vieira de Sousa Universidade Estadual da Paraíba
  • Veruska Medeiros Martins Universidade Estadual da Paraíba
  • Andreza Cristina de L. Targino Massoni Faculdades Integradas de Patos
  • Saul Martins de Paiva Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Keywords:

Immunization coverage, healthcare students, infection control, occupational risks

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the knowledge and practices of immunization against occupational diseases and its associated factors among health students. Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was carried out with a random sample of 275 graduate students from the Schools of Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Psychology and Nursing. During data collection we carried out individual interviews on issues related to immunization coverage, diseases and occupational accidents and sociodemographic variables. The statistical tests used were the Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests (α=0.05). Results: Most students considered influenza (65.5%) and hepatitis B (58.5%) occupational diseases. Almost 30% of the students reported having attended to patients with infectious diseases, especially AIDS. Contact with body fluids or accidental exposure was reported by 12.7% being 34.3% by accident with drills; 88.2% of the students had incomplete immunization coverage due to lack of time in most cases (27%). None of the variables was significantly associated with vaccination coverage. Conclusion: The students’ knowledge of occupational diseases and vaccination coverage was poor, which reflects the need for motivational policies through activities for clarification and expansion of vaccination coverage.

Author Biographies

Ana Flávia Granville-Garcia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Mestre em clínicas Odontológicas_Odontopediatria pela UFRGS; Doutora em Odontopediatria pela FOP/UPE; Professora de Odontopediatria da FOC/ASCES

Eveline Sales Rocha, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Acadêmica de Odontologia da UEPB

Raulison Vieira de Sousa, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Mestrando do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia da UEPB

Veruska Medeiros Martins, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba

Mestre em Odontologia pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia da UEPB

Andreza Cristina de L. Targino Massoni, Faculdades Integradas de Patos

Mestre em Odontologia Preventiva e Social pela FO/UFPB; Doutora em Odontopediatria pela FO/UPE; Departamento de Odontologia da FIP

Saul Martins de Paiva, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais

Mestre em Odontologia pela FO/UFSC; Doutro em Odontopediatria pela FO/USP; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia da FO/UFMG

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Published

2011-08-28

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 3 (2011)

Section

Original Article

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