Bioseguridad respiratoria practicada en ambientes laborales de catorce ciudades peruanas: Estudio piloto

Abstract

Objective: to describe biosecurity of respiratory diseases practiced by workers in fourteen cities of Peru. Methodology: a descriptive multicenter cross-sectional study was carried out in February through a self-administered questionnaire, where some concepts related to biosecurity of respiratory diseases and hygiene practices were asked. These were described in frequencies and percentages. Results: Oo 4287 respondents, 68% (2913) were men; the average age was 31 years (interquartile range: 24-40 years). 91% and 53% knew what respiratory masks are used for and how respiratory diseases are transmitted, respectively. 46% self-medicate when they have the cold; 31-41% of workers, relatives or co-workers have been vaccinated against seasonal flu, these percentages go up when they were asked if they would be vaccinated in current year and most would not be vaccinated because they do not know where (Range: 35-40%); the arm and the hand are the most used to cover when sneezing. Conclusion: These characteristics show a population that may be susceptible to get and transmit respiratory diseases, so educational measures and interventions should be taken to improve knowledge/attitudes and to create good practices.