Occupational exposures and knowledge of universal precautions among medical students.

Abstract

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between occupational exposures and knowledge of universal precautions among medical students. METHOD: Graduating medical students were given a survey regarding occupational exposures suffered during their clinical rotations. The survey also tested students' knowledge of universal precautions by asking them to indicate what combination of gloves, mask, and eyeshields should be worn to satisfy universal precautions for ten common procedures. RESULTS: At a seminar one week before graduation, 45 senior medical students were given the questionnaire. The response rate was 100% 84% of the surveyed students suffered at least one occupational exposure during their clinical training. Of those who had an exposure, 42% reported at least once to an exposure center. The mean percentage of correct answers on the protective equipment questionnaire was 71%. No correlation between number of exposures and score on the protective equipment questionnaire was found (r = 0.0). CONCLUSION: Occupational exposures to blood are common among medical students. Few students report to exposure centers. Knowledge of universal precautions may not correlate with reduced risk of occupational exposures among medical students.