Last update:
16-Jun-2006

A questionnaire survey was undertaken of the 152 final- year students at the University of Ioannina Medical School. Its purpose was to establish the prevalence of needlestick injuries among the student population and to evaluate their knowledge of and compliance with universal precautions, as well as other aspects of their clinical education. The response rate was 37%. The prevalence of needlestick injuries was estimated at between 6-18%. Compliance with universal precautions was modest: 62% of students regularly wear gloves during venepuncture, and only 31% avoid recapping needles, but 93% always use a sharps container. Almost all students (96%) indicate they would not hesitate to report a accurately identified the three important bloodborne pathogens (HIV, HBV and HCV), only 5% knew about postexposure prophylaxis treatment for HIV. The majority of students would be uncomfortable examining or drawing blood from a HIV-positive or hepatitis-positive patient. However, only 73% are immunised against hepatitis B, although the vaccine is available to students free of charge. The medical school must ensure that all students are immunised against hepatitis B, and offer appropriate training in universal precautions as part of its clinical curriculum.

Key words: Medical education, Medical students, Needlestick injuries, Universal precautions.