The occupational hazard of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus infection. II. Effect of grade, age, sex and region of employment on perceived risks and preventive measures adopted by anaesthetists.

The effect of grade, age, sex and region of employment on the attitude of anaesthetists to the possible risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection and the measures adopted to minimise the risk were assessed. As a group, anaesthetists in training were more concerned than consultants about the risk of HIV or HBV infection and, as a consequence, were more likely to adopt protective measures. A similar variation was seen with age, younger anaesthetists being more concerned about the risk of infection and adopting preventive measures in greater numbers than their older colleagues. The sex of the anaesthetist had minimal effect on their attitude. Despite the marked variation in the incidence of both HIV and HBV, the attitude of anaesthetists to the risk of infection and the numbers adopting simple preventive measures did not vary significantly on a regional basis throughout the country. However, there was a significant inter-regional variation in the availability and uptake of HBV immunisation (p < 0.01) and knowledge of the existence of local policy guidelines for the management of known HIV or HBV positive patients (p < 0.01).