K Dunleavy1, A Taylor, J Gow, B Cullen, K Roy. 1. Institute for Applied Social and Health Research, School of Social Science, University of the West of Scotland, High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK. karen.dunleavy@uws.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In the course of their work, police staff are at risk of exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF) and potentially at risk of acquiring a blood-borne viral infection. AIMS: To examine levels of anxiety among Scottish police staff following an occupational exposure to BBF. METHODS: Police staff who reported an incident of exposure to their occupational health (OH) provider were invited to complete a postal questionnaire about their levels of self-reported anxiety after the incident and after contact with medical services (namely, OH and accident and emergency (A&E)). RESULTS: Seventy exposed individuals (66% of those invited to take part) completed a questionnaire. Participants' self-reported anxiety after the incident varied widely. Levels of anxiety reduced over time and following contact with medical services. A&E staff were more likely to be the first point of medical contact for the most anxious individuals. Pre-incident training was not associated with post-incident anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that contact with medical services helps to alleviate post-exposure anxieties among police staff.
BACKGROUND: In the course of their work, police staff are at risk of exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF) and potentially at risk of acquiring a blood-borne viral infection. AIMS: To examine levels of anxiety among Scottish police staff following an occupational exposure to BBF. METHODS: Police staff who reported an incident of exposure to their occupational health (OH) provider were invited to complete a postal questionnaire about their levels of self-reported anxiety after the incident and after contact with medical services (namely, OH and accident and emergency (A&E)). RESULTS: Seventy exposed individuals (66% of those invited to take part) completed a questionnaire. Participants' self-reported anxiety after the incident varied widely. Levels of anxiety reduced over time and following contact with medical services. A&E staff were more likely to be the first point of medical contact for the most anxious individuals. Pre-incident training was not associated with post-incident anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that contact with medical services helps to alleviate post-exposure anxieties among police staff.
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