KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR
OF HEPATITIS B ON THE STAFF OF FORENSIC MEDICINE COUNCIL
Ince H, Gurpinar
S, Aliustaoglu S, Ince N, Asirdizer M.
Journal of Viral Hepatitis (Turkish), 2000; 6(2): 105-8.
ABSTRACT
The average rate of HBV infection, which was accepted as an occupational disease
by WHO in 1992, is 8% in health care workers. This study was realized in the staff working at the Council of Forensic Medicine
in which multi-purpose autopsies (forensic, pathological, educational) have been done at the period of January - February
1997. The objectives of the study were to determine the serological status for HBV and also knowledge and behavioral patterns
of the staff regarding the blood-borne diseases. Cross - sectional method was employed. 66.8 % of the staff was found as immune
against HBV, 13.3 % were carriers of HBsAg, 77.8 % of the staff has changed gloves between autopsies and 33.3 % has regularly
used mask. As conclusion, efforts should be devoted to vaccination and universal precaution as well as training of the staff.
Key words: Hepatitis B, autopsy, blood-borne diseases.