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HIV-related risk, worry and behavior changes among emergency medical workers: personal and job-related factors.

Bolon T, Zimmerman RS, Rodriquez M, Patrone-Reese J; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 724 (abstract no. M.D.P.83).

University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship in job-related and sexually transmitted risks for HIV infection to worry and behavior changes among emergency medical workers. METHODS: A voluntary, anonymous, self-administered questionnaire with 149 items related to HIV infection, job-related functions, sexual practices, and demographic variables was completed by 268 Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and Firefighters. RESULTS: 64% perceived themselves to be at high risk for contracting HIV infection through job-related activities and 7% related to sexual behaviors (paired t=19.68, p less than .0001). Perceived job-related risks included needle sticks and negative attitudes toward AIDS patients (p less than .01). 75% indicated worry about contracting HIV infection from patients; 31% from sexual activity (paired t=14.2.4, p less than .0001). Predictors of job-related worry included marital status (B=.17, p less than .01), worry related to sexual transmission of HIV (B=.28, p less than .0001), and self-perceived high occupational risk (B=.44, p less than .0001). 80% changed job-related behavior according to recommended CDC infection control guidelines. 6% used condoms regularly. Predictors of job- related behavior changes included a negative attitude towards AIDS patients (B=.21, p less than .03). CONCLUSIONS: Among emergency medical workers, perceived job-related risks for HIV infection increased worry to motivate job-related behavior changes. In contrast, perceived sexual-related risks increased worry but minimally motivated sexual behavior changes.

Publication Types:
  • Meeting Abstracts
Keywords:
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
  • Anxiety
  • Condoms
  • Emergencies
  • HIV Infections
  • HIV Seropositivity
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Occupations
  • Questionnaires
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior
Other ID:
  • 00380789
UI: 102179708

From Meeting Abstracts




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