Prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVES: To study the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases offered to healthcare workers (HCWs) in Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data were collected by interviewing in 2002. RESULTS: A total 1,218 HCWs in 33 hospitals were interviewed. Nurses and doctors were the majority group, accounting for 31.5% and 30.5% respectively. Pre-employement health screenings were done by physical examination in 56.0% and chest X-ray in 55.7% and immunization against hepatitis B and tubuculosis were offered in 17.7% and 11.4% respectively. Annual physical examination and chest x-ray were done in 66.3% and 76.9%. Reported infection with hepatitis A hepatitis B, tuberculosis in HCWs were as high as 16.8%, 4.0% and 2.6% respectively. Only 3.5% to 24.3% of HCWs ever read guidelines on the prevention of infection. Existing laws allowed the implementation of prevention, treatment and compensation in case of occupationally acquired infection in HCWs. CONCLUSION: Prevention of infection in HCWs was implemented far below the ideal level. They should be better protected under existing laws.