Study on protective conditions of health care workers during spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome

  Objective   To evaluate individual protection conditions of health care workers in the hospital.

  Methods   Cross-sectional survey was carried out in 9 hospitals in Guangdong province. Hospital staff in contact with SARS patients were investigated with questionnaires.

  Results   The infection rate of hospital care workers who wearing less 12 layers masks was higher than that of those with more 12 layers masks(χ²=14.328, P<0.01).The infection rate of hospital care workers wearing gowns with helmets together was relatively lower than that of those with gowns with helmets separately(χ²=13.546, P<0.01).The infection rate of hospital care workers wearing one piece of gown higher than that of those wearing more than one piece of gowns(χ²=20.659, P<0.01).Wearing goggles had a lower risks than without wearing goggles(χ² =66.924, P<0.01).The infection rate of hospital care workers wear ing gloves was lower than that of those without wearing gloves(χ²=30.814, P<0.001).The infection rate of hospital care workers using induction equipment was lower than that of those using touch equipment(χ²=19.283, P<0.01).

  Conclusion   In order to protect health care workers, strict protective measures were essential.