Employees' sources of AIDS information: the workplace as a promising setting

Article Abstract:

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent of AIDS. Visual media, public campaigns, and educational programs have be used in an attempt to educate the public about AIDS. Recent studies indicate that a portion of the general population has negative views regarding people infected with HIV, which can lead to disruptive behavior and discrimination in the workplace. Some industries have provided educational programs about AIDS to their employees. Emphasis has been placed on prevention and on a full awareness of the possible routes of transmission of the HIV virus, in an attempt to dispel misconceptions about contracting HIV through casual contact. Most of the industry-sponsored educational programs on AIDS use fliers instead of speakers, videos, or discussions. A survey was conducted to determine the responsiveness of workers to AIDS education in the workplace. Questionnaires were distributed to 7,000 corporate employees and 2,000 public service workers at facilities with AIDS education programs. From the 9,000 questionnaires that were distributed, there were 2,836 responses from corporate workers and 624 responses from public service workers. The survey revealed that employees consulted the media, family, friends, coworkers and the company-sponsored program for information about AIDS more frequently than they consulted physicians or health specialists at local AIDS organizations. Also, the AIDS education programs that were provided at work were well received, and the workers believed that the programs provided a reliable source of information about AIDS. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Education, Social policy, Work environment, Study and teaching, Workers, Employer-supported education, Employer supported education, AIDS (Disease) in the workplace

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Epistaxis due to glutaraldehyde exposure

Article Abstract:

Concern with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and the need for critical cleaning in hospitals and clinics has led to increased use of glutaraldehyde as a sterilizing agent. Its use has been increased because of its efficiency in killing bacteria and virus while remaining harmless to laboratory and clinical instruments and equipment. A case is reported concerning a 38-year-old woman who was referred to a environmental health clinic because of problems with recurring nosebleeds. The patient also complained of irritation of the membranes of her eyes and throat, a skin rash on her arms (above the glove line), and headaches. The onset of the symptoms coincided with her becoming a technician in a hospital gastroenterology clinic. She associated the symptoms with the cold sterilization of medical equipment, such as the fiberoptic endoscopes used in gastroenterology. Her symptoms receded whenever she was away from her work for several days. At the time she was first seen, she had been on leave for approximately two weeks and she was free of symptoms. A visit was made to the patient's workplace by a staff member of the occupational medical service. The patient's primary job was sterilizing instruments with a 50 percent solution of glutaraldehyde and bicarbonate in a small enclosed space that smelled strongly of glutaraldehyde. The room ventilation was inadequate and was provided by a small fan which was clogged. Recommendations were made which included the use of a respirator, long-sleeve gowns and overlapping gloves, and protective eye wear (but not contact lens).

Health aspects, Causes of, Risk factors, Environmental aspects, Allergy, Contact dermatitis, Sterilization (Disinfection), Nosebleed, Sterilization

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