Date Approved

1994

Graduate Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Physical Therapy (M.S.)

Degree Program

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Jane Toot

Second Advisor

Lucille Grimm

Third Advisor

William Bell

Abstract

This study was designed to determine whether physical therapists' perceived risks for contracting hepatitis B had a significant effect on the acceptance or rejection of the hepatitis B vaccine. Knowledge and compliance with Universal Precautions was also explored.; The sample consisted of 122 physical therapists employed by general hospitals in Michigan which were greater than 200 beds with five or more therapists on staff. The participants completed a 26 item questionnaire.; The results indicated that 100% of the respondents were aware of the hospital's Universal Precautions policies. Only 22.5% did not always carry them out in cases where they should. It was suggested that compliance could be increased by such measures as increased accessibility, reminders, and reviews. The majority (84.3%) of the respondents opted to receive the hepatitis B vaccine. The most common reasons for rejecting the vaccine were fear of pregnancy/breast feeding, concern of side effects, and avoiding medications.

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