Epidemiological studies on physical, chemical, psychological and zoonotic hazards among veterinarians
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Date
2018-07
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
This study reports physical, chemical, zoonotic and psychological hazards relevant to Indian veterinarians as obtained by a self administered questionnaire. Out of total 392 respondents, 5.1% (20) reported no injury, 47.5% (186) respondents had 1-5 injuries, 32.1% (126) encountered 5-10 injuries and 15.3% (60) veterinarians had more than 10 injuries during last 5 years. Animal related injuries like bite (31.8%), scratch (65.1%), kick (62.8%), horn wound (14%), needle prick (89.2%), injuries due to falling / lifting animals / moving heavy equipments (61.3%) and fracture (3.8%) were commonly reported physical injuries Total no. of veterinarians involved in taking radiographic examinations were 19.1% (75/392). Most of the veterinarians taking x-rays were academic veterinarians. Hundred eighty seven (47.7%) veterinarians were using antineoplastic agents to treat animals and out of those 2.1% (4) veterinarian accidently injected drugs to themselves. Thirty two (8%) veterinarian, experienced adverse effect due to disinfectant and 0.7% (3) veterinarians reported adverse effects due to pesticides. The types of allergy sustained by veterinarians were sneezing, eye/ nose/ throat infection, cough, skin irritation and latex gloves allergy. Ringworm (13.5%) and fungal infection (26.5%) were most common zoonotic infection among veterinarians. Low level stress reported among 45% participants, moderate among 34% and high level of stress among 21% participants. The 43.9% veterinarians used gloves, 39.8% were wearing apron and only 1% respondents were using goggles. 36.7% participants did not use any protective gear. Routine deworming within every 6 months followed by 43.6% of the respondents, 31.1% in the last 1 year and 17.1% had done it once in the last two years. Percentage of the veterinarians did not practice routine deworming was 8.2%. Majority of veterinarians 73% (286) rarely go for medical checkup or only when required. The awareness levels among the veterinary health professionals was near optimal but the need was felt to implement efforts aimed at addressing deterrence of occupational hazards by developing and executing improved safe handling practices and safety measures.
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