FACTORS RELATED TO THE REPORTING OF BLOOD AND BODY FLUID EXPOSURE DURING STUDENT INTERNSHIPS AT PRACTICE HOSPITALS
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Abstract
Background: Exposure to blood and body fluids is a serious risk of infection during clinical practice for medical students; however, the reporting rate remains low due to multiple factors and differences among student groups. This study aimed to assess the current situation, analyze influencing factors, and propose solutions to improve awareness and preventive skills. Objectives: To evaluate the current status and factors affecting the reporting behavior of blood and body fluid exposure among students during clinical practice, and to propose strategies to enhance awareness and preventive skills. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 215 third- and fourthyear students in Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Technology. A descriptive crosssectional analytical design was applied. Data were processed and statistically analyzed using Stata version 14.1 and Microsoft Excel. Results: The reporting rate of blood and body fluid exposure remained low across most surveyed groups. Can Tho General Hospital recorded the highest reporting rate (46.88%), while Can Tho Children's Hospital had the lowest (13.89%). Students who had completed three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine had the highest reporting rate (30.77%). Nonreporting and “do not remember/not sure” responses were still common. Conclusion: Training should be strengthened and clear reporting procedures established to improve awareness and reporting behavior regarding exposure among medical students during clinical practice.
Keywords
Reporting, exposure, blood, body fluids, medical students
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