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Physicians' Perceptions About Increased Glove-Wearing in Response to Risk of HIV Infection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Lawrence S. Linn ,
Katherine L. Kahn  and
Barbara Leake
Lawrence S. Linn*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, the Division of General Internal Medicine, the University of California, Los Angeles, California
Katherine L. Kahn
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, the Division of General Internal Medicine, the University of California, Los Angeles, California
Barbara Leake
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, the Division of General Internal Medicine, the University of California, Los Angeles, California
*
Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1 685
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Abstract

Glove-wearing attitudes of 375 physicians, representing 56% of all physicians surveyed, were ascertained. Although the majority were comfortable with their current glove use, 33% preferred wearing them more frequently. The most common reasons for not wearing gloves were a low likelihood of disease transmission and fear of offending patients. Many physicians felt that more frequent glove use in examining human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV)-positive patients might reduce rapport and diminish the adequacy of physical examination procedures, but only 11% felt that increased glove use would compromise overall care of HIVpositive patients. With regard to all patients, 33% felt that increased glove use in examinations would compromise care. Additionally, 56% of physicians stated that they were somewhat concerned about HIV infection. Glove-wearing preferences were significantly associated with greater concern about infection, a younger age and more frequent exposure to blood and body secretions. Contact with high-risk patient groups was not associated with glove-wearing preferences.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 11 , Issue 5 , May 1990 , pp. 248 - 254
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1990

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