INTRODUCTION
Health care workers (HCWs) are at a high risk of occupational
exposure to blood and body fluids of patients,
resulting in possible transmission of blood-borne pathogens,
such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C
virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HTV).
There is a great interest, especially with the increasing
proportion of hospitalized HTV patients, in determining
the conditions and predisposing factors of staff injuries
and the possibilities of adopting safer working practices
for HCWs.1
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The risk of occupational transmission
of infectious diseases could be substantially reduced
through HCWs' compliance with universal precautions
(UP).3
Furthermore, the risk of acquiring HBV infection
could be eliminated by the vaccination against HBV
which is well-tolerated, safe and, in most cases, effective.
Thus, it is strongly indicated for health care personnel.4
Conditions of exposure to blood-borne diseases after
occupational accidents have been more frequently
reported from regions with low hepatitis B and C
endemicity.1
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In contrast to such regions, Greece