Factors affecting universal precautions compliance

This study characterizes levels of self-reported compliance with Universal Precautions (UP) among health care workers (HCWs) at risk of bloodborne exp osure. A convenience survey was conducted of 1135 health care workers, expe cted to be at high risk for transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Using a c ross-sectional design and a theoretical model by Gershon et al. (1995) data were analyzed with logistic regression. Factors associated with at least o ne of the two measures of HCW compliance with UP included longer tenure in one's job, increased knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transm ission, a conservative attitude toward risky behaviors, a perception of a s trong organizational safety climate, and having had some training in the us e of personal protective equipment. Knowledge of factors associated with co mpliance helps to explain why health care workers sometimes exhibit poor co mpliance despite the real occupational hazard posed by exposure to bloodbor ne pathogens.