Robyn Gershon

Clinical Professor of Epidemiology

Professional overview

Dr. Gershon is an interdisciplinary occupational and environmental health and safety researcher with extensive experience in the areas of disaster preparedness, healthcare safety, and risk assessment and management in high-risk work occupations. She earned her doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, where she was on faculty for several years.  

Subsequently, Dr. Gershon was a Professor at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, with a joint appointment in the School of Nursing.

At the Mailman School, she also served as the Associate Dean for Research and was the Director of the Mentoring Program. Her most recent faculty appointment prior to joining NYU GPH was Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She was also an Adjunct Professor in the UCSF School of Nursing, as well as at UC Berkeley where she taught public health disaster courses.

Dr. Gershon and her team conducted numerous ground breaking studies to develop and test new metrics of preparedness. Importantly, Dr. Gershon’s work has influenced the adoption of safe work practices and regulatory control measures, such as national needlestick prevention guidelines and high-rise building fire safety laws. Her numerous research studies encompass a wide range of topics, including, (to name a few): bloodborne pathogen exposure; hospital safety climate; psychosocial work stress in law enforcement; “ability and willingness” of essential workforce employees to report to duty during natural and man-made disasters; preparedness of responders for terrorist incidents; emergency high–rise building evacuation- (including the World Trade Center Evacuation Study); emergency preparedness of the elderly and disabled; mass fatality management infrastructure in the US; adherence to emergency public health measures among the general public;  hearing loss risk in subway ridership; and noise exposure in urban populations.

Dr. Gershon recently completed a four-year, longitudinal intervention NIH-funded study on motivation and persistence in pursuing STEM research careers among underrepresented doctoral students. (the BRIDGE Project). 

As a committed advocate for junior faculty and graduate students, Dr. Gershon will play an active role in research mentorship and advisement. 

Education

BS, Medical Technology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

MHS, Medical Microbiology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

DrPH, Environmental and Occupational Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Honors and awards

Recipient, American Society of Safety Engineers, Membership Award, Oakland, CA (2016)

Recipient, John L. Ziegler Capstone Mentor Award, Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (2015)

Recipient, City of New York Fire Commissioner's Special Commendation Certificate of Appreciation (2006)

Recipient, Survivors' Salute, World Trade Center Survivors' Network (2006)

Recipient, Annual International Sharps Injury Prevention Award (2005)

Delta Omega (Public Health) Honorary Society (1997)

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Microbiology) (1976)

Lambda Tau Mu Honor Society (Laboratory Science) (1976)

Areas of research and study

Disaster Health

Disaster Impact and Recovery

Disaster Preparedness

Environmental Public Health Services

Epidemiology

Healthcare Safety

Occupational Health

Risk Assessment and Management

Publications

Publications

Mental, physical, and behavioral outcomes associated with perceived work stress in police officers

Gershon, R., Barocas, B., Canton, A. N., Xianbin Li, L., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

Criminal Justice and Behavior

Volume

36

Issue

3

Page(s)

275-289

10.1177/0093854808330015

Abstract

Abstract

This study estimates the effects of perceived work stress in police officers and determines the impact of coping on both perceived work stress and health. Officers from a large, urban police department (N = 1,072) completed detailed questionnaires. Exposure to critical incidents, workplace discrimination, lack of cooperation among coworkers, and job dissatisfaction correlated significantly with perceived work stress. Work stress was significantly associated with adverse outcomes, including depression and intimate partner abuse. Officers who relied on negative or avoidant coping mechanisms reported both higher levels of perceived work stress and adverse health outcomes. Results have implications for improving stress-reducing efforts among police officers. Interventions that address modifiable stressors and promote effective coping and resiliency will probably be most beneficial in minimizing police stress and associated outcomes.

Methodologic issues in intervention research - Health care

Hersey, J. C., Collins, J. W., Gershon, R., & Owen, B. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

American Journal of Industrial Medicine

Volume

29

Issue

4

Page(s)

412-417

10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199604)29:4<412::AID-AJIM27>3.0.CO;2-3

Abstract

Abstract

To better understand the methodological challenges faced by intervention research in health care, workshops reviewed two intervention studies to reduce back injuries among nursing home staff and two studies on the use of precautions to prevent occupational transmission of bloodborne pathogens. These studies adapted rigorous designs to real-world settings and made good use of multiple measures to detect effects and communicate this information to policy makers. The studies grappled with issues about implementation integrity and would benefit from better theory of administrative practices associated with a safety-conscious work environment.

Microenvironmental immunoregulation: possible role of contrasuppressor cells in maintaining immune responses in gut-associated lymphoid tissues.

Gershon, R., Green, D. R., Gold, J., & Gershon, R. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

1982

Journal title

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

Page(s)

889

Abstract

Abstract

~

Modeling pre-evacuation delay by evacuees in World Trade Center Towers 1 and 2 on September 11, 2001 : A revisit using regression analysis

Gershon, R., Sherman, M. F., Peyrot, M., Magda, L. A., & Gershon, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

Fire Safety Journal

Volume

46

Issue

7

Page(s)

414-424

10.1016/j.firesaf.2011.07.001

Abstract

Abstract

We have tested a linear regression model to identify significant predictors of pre-evacuation delay in a sample of evacuees enrolled in the World Trade Center Evacuation Study. We have found that pre-evacuation delay was greater when there were more environmental cues, more seeking out of information, and more pre-evacuation actions. Additionally, higher perceived risk was predictive of shorter pre-evacuation delay times. These findings are compared and contrasted with an analysis of participants in the National Institute of Standards and Technology investigation of the World Trade Center disaster, recently reported by Kuligowski and Mileti (2009). Both studies reported factors associated with pre-evacuation delay that were similar to those associated with community evacuation. Additionally, we found that greater knowledge and greater emergency preparedness were associated with greater perception of risk. Greater emergency preparedness was negatively related to pre-evacuation delay within World Trade Center Tower I, but within World Trade Center Tower II, the relation between emergency preparedness and pre-evacuation delay was positive. These findings have implications for training of occupants of high-rise buildings.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Nurses in the Early Implementation Phase of California's Safe Patient Handling Legislation

Lee, S. J., Lee, J. H., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2015

Journal title

Research in Nursing and Health

Volume

38

Issue

3

Page(s)

183-193

10.1002/nur.21657

Abstract

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries and symptoms are prevalent in nurses and are largely associated with strenuous patient handling. In 2011, California enacted legislation that required acute-care hospitals to implement safe patient handling (SPH) policies and programs. To assess the early phase of this legislation, we conducted an epidemiological assessment of organizational SPH practices, musculoskeletal symptoms, and perceptions in a random sample of 396 registered nurses. Among those who worked in hospitals and had patient handling duties (n=220), the 12 month prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms was 69% (lower back 54%, neck 41%, shoulders 34%, and hands/wrists 26%). Twenty-two percent of the nurses reported that their hospitals had a "no-lift" policy, 37% reported that their hospitals had lift teams, and 61% reported the availability of mechanical lift equipment such as floor or ceiling lifts. Nurses whose facilities employed lift teams were significantly less likely to report low back pain (OR=0.54, 95% CI [0.30-0.97]). Nurses whose units had ceiling lifts were significantly less likely to report shoulder pain than nurses with no access to lifts (OR=0.32, 95% CI [0.10-0.98]). Roughly 60% of respondents were aware of the SPH law, and 33% reported changes in their hospital's patient handling policies or programs since the law went into effect. Hospital SPH practices reported by the nurses in our sample were generally sub-optimal, but our findings suggest positive effects of elements required by SPH legislation. These data will serve as the baseline for future evaluation of the impact of this law in California.

New York City Transit Workers: An Essential Workforce – Addressing Occupational Resilience through Intervention Optimization

Merdjanoff, A. A., Guastaferro, K., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Abstract

Abstract

~

New York City Transit Workers: An Essential Workforce – Addressing Occupational Resilience through Intervention Optimization

Merdjanoff, A. A., Guastaferro, K., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Abstract

Abstract

~

New York City Transit Workers: An Essential Workforce – Addressing Occupational Resilience through Intervention Optimization.

Merdjanoff, A. A., Gershon, R., & Guastaferro, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Abstract

Abstract

~

Noise levels associated with New York City's mass transit systems

Neitzel, R., Gershon, R., Zeltser, M., Canton, A., & Akram, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

99

Issue

8

Page(s)

1393-1399

10.2105/AJPH.2008.138297

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives. We measured noise levels associated with various forms of mass transit and compared them to exposure guidelines designed to protect against noise-induced hearing loss. Methods. We used noise dosimetry to measure time-integrated noise levels in a representative sample of New York City mass transit systems (subways, buses, ferries, tramway, and commuter railways) aboard transit vehicles and at vehicle boarding platforms or terminals during June and July 2007. Results. Of the transit types evaluated, subway cars and platforms had the highest associated equivalent continuous average (Leq) and maximum noise levels. All transit types had Leq levels appreciably above 70 A-weighted decibels, the threshold at which noise-induced hearing loss is considered possible. Conclusions. Mass transit noise exposure has the potential to exceed limits recommended by the World Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency and thus cause noise-induced hearing loss among riders of all forms of mass transit given sufficient exposure durations. Environmental noise-control efforts in mass transit and, in cases in which controls are infeasible, the use of personal hearing protection would benefit the ridership's hearing health.

Non-hospital based registered nurses and the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure

Gershon, R., Qureshi, K. A., Pogorzelska, M., Rosen, J., Gebbie, K. M., Brandt-Rauf, P. W., & Sherman, M. F. (n.d.).

Publication year

2007

Journal title

Industrial Health

Volume

45

Issue

5

Page(s)

695-704

10.2486/indhealth.45.695

Abstract

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of blood and body fluid exposure among non-hospital based registered nurses (RNs) employed in New York State. The study population was mainly unionized public sector workers, employed in state institutions. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by a random stratified sample of members of the New York State Nurses Association and registered nurse members of the New York State Public Employees Federation. Results were reviewed by participatory action research (PAR) teams to identify opportunities for improvement. Nine percent of respondents reported at least one needlestick injury in the 12-month period prior to the study. The percutaneous injury (PI) rate was 13.8 per 100 person years. Underreporting was common; 49% of all PIs were never formally reported and 70% never received any post-exposure care. Primary reasons for not reporting included: time constraints, fear, and lack of information on reporting. Significant correlates of needlestick injuries included tenure, patient load, hours worked, lack of compliance with standard precautions, handling needles and other sharps, poor safety climate, and inadequate training and availability of safety devices (p

Nurse work environments and occupational safety in intensive care units

Stone, P. W., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Policy, Politics, and Nursing Practice

Volume

7

Issue

4

Page(s)

240-247

10.1177/1527154406297896

Abstract

Abstract

Using data collected from 39 intensive care units (ICUs) in 23 hospitals across the United States, the purpose of this study was to examine hospital structural characteristics, nurse characteristics, and nurses' working conditions' impact on occupational safety outcomes. ICU with more positive organizational climates had lower rates of occupational injuries and blood and body fluid exposures (p

Nurse work environments and occupational safety in intensive care units

Stone, P. W., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

Journal of Nursing Administration

Volume

39

Issue

7-8 SUPPL.

Page(s)

S27-S34

10.1097/NNA.0b013e3181aeb49e

Abstract

Abstract

Using data collected from 39 intensive care units (ICUs) in 23 hospitals across the United States, the purpose of this study was to examine hospital structural characteristics, nurse characteristics, and nurses' working conditions' impact on occupational safety outcomes. ICU with more positive organizational climates had lower rates of occupational injuries and blood and body fluid exposures (p < .05). Similarly, ICUs in hospitals that had attained magnet accreditation had lower rates of negative occupational health incidents (p < .05).Hospital profitability was inversely related to rates of blood and body fluid exposure (p < .05). Monitoring nurses' working conditions and improving the organizational climate of hospitals is likely to improve the safety of the employee and the profitability of the hospital through improved system outcomes (such as lower turnover of the employees) as well as improve the quality of patient care delivered.

Occupational Risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus Infections Among Funeral Service Practitioners in Maryland

Gershon, R., & Alter, M. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Journal title

Infection Control &amp; Hospital Epidemiology

Volume

16

Issue

4

Page(s)

194-197

10.1086/647089

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the risk of exposure and infection with bloodbome pathogens, a seroepidemiologic survey was conducted among funeral service practitioners (FSPs) in Maryland. METHOD: Of 262 members of the Maryland State Funeral Directors Association, 130 (49%) volunteered to participate in the study. In addition to a brief questionnaire, designed to assess both occupational and non-occupational risk factors for bloodbome pathogen infection, participants were screened for markers of human immunodeficiency vims (HIV), hepatitis C vims (HCV), and past hepatitis B vims (HBV). Titers for antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) also were examined and compared with histnrv of henatitis B vaccination,. RESULTS: Seroprevalence for HIV, HBV, and HCV infection was 0.8%, 4.6%, and 0%, respectively. Nearly 19% of participants reported at least one bloodbome exposure in the past 6 months. The one HIV infection and all but two of the HBV infections were correlated with well-established non-occupational risk behaviors. Disposable gloves were worn by 96%, and eating, drinking, or smoking during embalming were infrequent. Sixty-one percent of FSPs reported having received one or more doses of hepatitis B vaccine at some time in the past. Of those who reported having received all three doses of vaccine, 67% had adequate titers to hepatitis B surface antibody, the marker of protection related to vaccination. CONCLUSION: Compared with prior studies of FSPs, this study found a low rate of occupational exposures and a high rate of hepatitis B vaccination, suggesting improved compliance with recommendations for preventing transmission of bloodbome pathogens in the workplace. (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1995;16:194-197).

Occupationally acquired human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection: a review

Gershon, R., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Abstract

Abstract

~

Operationalizing theoretical constructs in bloodborne pathogens training curriculum

Sinclair, R. C., Gershon, R., Murphy, L. R., & Goldenhar, L. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

Health Education and Behavior

Volume

23

Issue

2

Page(s)

238-255

10.1177/109019819602300208

Abstract

Abstract

This article describes how the protection motivation theory (PMT) was used to inform the production of video curriculum for a bloodborne pathogens training program for hospital nurses. Although hospital nurses are well acquainted with the work practices designed to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposures (universal precautions), there is evidence that they do not always follow them. First, the onginal PMT is adapted to reflect what is currently known about the role of affect in health behavior prediction. Second, the authors show how the four PMT message constructs-probability of occurrence, magnitude of noxiousness, response efficacy, and self-efficacy-guided the planning, shooting, and editing of the videotapes. Incidental to this process was the operationalization of these message constructs in such a way that affective reactions would result. The results show that this video curriculum successfully aroused negative affect in the target audience. Only by carefully planning and documenting how message constructs are operationalized in health education materials can one be sure of achieving theory-based (and thus the most replicable) message design.

Organizational climate and nurse health outcomes in the United States : A systematic review

Gershon, R., Stone, P. W., Zeltser, M., Faucett, J., Macdavitt, K., & Chou, S. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2007

Journal title

Industrial Health

Volume

45

Issue

5

Page(s)

622-636

10.2486/indhealth.45.622

Abstract

Abstract

Increasing interest has been focused on understanding the role working conditions play in terms of the serious issues facing hospitals today, including quality of patient care, nurse shortages, and financial challenges. One particular working condition that has been the subject of recent research, is the impact of organizational climate on nurses' well-being, including occupational health outcomes. To examine evidence-based research on the association between organizational climate and occupational health outcomes among acute-care registered nurses, a systematic review of published studies was conducted. Studies assessing the association between organizational climate variables and three common health outcomes in nurses (blood/body fluid exposures, musculoskeletal disorders, and burnout) were reviewed. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Although most were cross-sectional in design and variability was noted across studies with respect to operational definitions and assessment measures, all noted significant associations between specific negative aspects of hospital organizational climate and adverse health impacts in registered nurses. While evidence for an association between organizational climate constructs and nurses' health was found, data were limited and some of the relationships were weak. Additional studies are warranted to clarify the nature of these complex relationships.

Organizational climate and occupational health outcomes in hospital nurses

Stone, P. W., Du, Y., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2007

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

49

Issue

1

Page(s)

50-58

10.1097/01.jom.0000251622.05429.0c

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine relationships between organizational climate (OC) factors and occupational health outcomes (lost workdays, musculoskeletal injury, blood and body fluid exposures, injuries, and burnout) among hospital-based nurses. METHODS: Measures were obtained through a self-administered, anonymous survey distributed in 13 New York City hospitals. Multivariate models appropriate for clustered data were developed. These analyses controlled for nurse and employment characteristics. Independent effects of OC factors were examined. RESULTS: Surveys from 2047 predominantly registered nurses were obtained (response rate 50%). More than 75% reported lost workdays due to illness in the previous 4-month period and over one third reported experiencing some type of injury. OC factors were independently associated with injuries and measures of burnout (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: OC is significantly associated with the health and well-being of hospital nurses.

Pandemic-related ability and willingness in home healthcare workers.

Gershon, R., Magda, L. A., Canton, A. N., Riley, H. E., Wiggins, F., Young, W., & Sherman, M. F. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

American journal of disaster medicine

Volume

5

Issue

1

Page(s)

15-26

10.5055/ajdm.2010.0002

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess pandemic-related attitudes and behavioral intentions of home healthcare workers (HHCWs). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: New York City. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 384 HHCWs. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Ability and willingness to report to work during a pandemic influenza outbreak. RESULTS: A large proportion of HHCWs reported that they would be either unable or unwilling (or both) to provide care to their current (83 percent) or new (91 percent) patients during a pandemic. Ability was significantly associated with not having children living at home, having alternatives to mass transportation, not having a spouse/partner employed as a first responder or healthcare worker, and having longer tenure (ie, six or more years) in homecare. During an outbreak, 43 percent of HHCWs said they would be willing to take care of current patients and only 27 percent were willing to take care of new patients. Willingness to care for both current and new patients was inversely associated with fear for personal safety (p < 0.01). Provision of key elements of a respiratory protection program was associated with decreased fear (p < 0.05). Most participants (86 percent) had not received any work-based, pandemic-related training, and only 5 percent reported that their employer had an influenza pandemic plan. CONCLUSIONS: Given that a large majority of the participating HHCWs would either be unable or unwilling to report to duty during a pandemic, potential shortfalls in this workforce may occur. To counter this, organizations should focus on strategies targeting intervenable barriers to ability and to willingness (ie, the provision of a vaccine and respiratory protection programs).

Participatory action research methodology in disaster research : Results from the world trade center evacuation study

Gershon, R., Rubin, M. S., Qureshi, K. A., Canton, A. N., & Matzner, F. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2008

Journal title

Disaster medicine and public health preparedness

Volume

2

Issue

3

Page(s)

142-149

10.1097/DMP.0b013e318184b48f

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: Participatory action research (PAR) methodology is an effective tool in identifying and implementing risk-reduction interventions. It has been used extensively in occupational health research, but not, to our knowledge, in disaster research. A PAR framework was incorporated into the World Trade Center evacuation study, which was designed to identify the individual, organizational, and structural (environmental) factors that affected evacuation from the World Trade Center Towers 1 and 2 on September 11, 2001. PAR teams-comprising World Trade Center evacuees, study investigators, and expert consultants-worked collaboratively to develop a set of recommendations designed to facilitate evacuation from high-rise office buildings and reduce risk of injury among evacuees. Methods: Two PAR teams worked first separately and then collectively to identify data-driven strategies for improvement of high-rise building evacuation. Results: The teams identified interventions targeting individual, organizational, and structural (environmental) barriers to safe and rapid evacuation. Conclusions: PAR teams were effective in identifying numerous feasible and cost-effective strategies for improvement of high-rise emergency preparedness and evacuation. This approach may have utility in other workplace disaster prevention planning and response programs. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2008;2:142-149)

Patterns of Assault in New York City Transit Workers Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Findings

Cziner, M., Hawkins, D., Rosen, J., AlMohammad Ali, D., Merdjanoff, A. A., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Abstract

Abstract

Patterns of Assault in New York City Transit Workers Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Findings. Authors: Michael Cziner, Devan Hawkins, Jonathan Rosen, Daliya AlMohammad Ali, Alexis Merdjanoff, Robyn Gershon. Presented by PhD student Michael Cziner.

Pilot survey of subway and bus stop noise levels

Gershon, R., Neitzel, R., Barrera, M. A., & Akram, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Journal of Urban Health

Volume

83

Issue

5

Page(s)

802-812

10.1007/s11524-006-9080-3

Abstract

Abstract

Excessive noise exposure is a serious global urban health problem, adversely affecting millions of people. One often cited source of urban noise is mass transit, particularly subway systems. As a first step in determining risk within this context, we recently conducted an environmental survey of noise levels of the New York City transit system. Over 90 noise measurements were made using a sound level meter. Average and maximum noise levels were measured on subway platforms, and maximum levels were measured inside subway cars and at several bus stops for comparison purposes. The average noise level measured on the subway platforms was 86 ± 4 dBA (decibel-A weighting). Maximum levels of 106, 112, and 89 dBA were measured on subway platforms, inside subway cars, and at bus stops, respectively. These results indicate that noise levels in subway and bus stop environments have the potential to exceed recommended exposure guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), given sufficient exposure duration. Risk reduction strategies following the standard hierarchy of control measures should be applied, where feasible, to reduce subway noise exposure.

Preliminary results from the World Trade Center evacuation study-New York City

Gershon, R., Hogan, E., Qureshi, K. A., & Doll, L. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Abstract

Abstract

~

Prevalence and factors associated with 2009 to 2011 influenza vaccinations at a university medical center

Crowley, K. A., Myers, R., Magda, L. A., Morse, S. S., Brandt-Rauf, P., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2013

Journal title

American Journal of Infection Control

Volume

41

Issue

9

Page(s)

824-830

10.1016/j.ajic.2012.11.020

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Information on the rates and factors associated with influenza vaccinations, although limited, is important because it can inform the development of effective vaccination campaigns in a university medical center setting. Methods: A study was conducted in 2011 to identify individual and organizational level barriers and facilitators to influenza vaccination among clinical and nonclinical personnel (N = 428) from a major university medical center. Results: Seventy-one percent of clinical personnel (n = 170) reported pandemic H1N1 vaccination compared with 27% of nonclinical personnel (n = 258), even though vaccine was made widely available to all personnel at no cost. Similarly, disparate rates between clinical and nonclinical personnel were noted for the 2009/2010 seasonal influenza vaccine (82% vs 42%, respectively) and 2010/2011 combination (pandemic plus seasonal) influenza vaccine (73% vs 28%, respectively). Factors associated with pandemic vaccination in nonclinical personnel included the following: high level of influenza-related knowledge, concern regarding influenza contagion, history of previous influenza vaccinations or influenza illness, participation in vaccine-related training, and awareness of the institution's written pandemic plan. For clinicians, past history of seasonal influenza vaccination was associated with pandemic vaccination. For all participants, taking any 1 or more of the 3 influenza vaccines available in 2009 to 2011 was associated with intent to take a hypothetical future novel pandemic vaccine (odds ratio, 6.7; 95% confidence interval: 4.32-10.44; P

Prevalence and risk factors for bloodborne exposure and infection in correctional healthcare workers

Gershon, R., Sherman, M., Mitchell, C., Vlahov, D., Erwin, M. J., Lears, M. K., Felknor, S., Lubelczyk, R. A., & Alter, M. J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2007

Journal title

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology

Volume

28

Issue

1

Page(s)

24-30

10.1086/510813

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for bloodborne exposure and infection in correctional healthcare workers (CHCWs). DESIGN. Cross-sectional risk assessment study with a confidential questionnaire and serological testing performed during 1999-2000. SETTING. Correctional systems in 3 states. RESULTS. Among 310 participating CHCWs, the rate of percutaneous injury (PI) was 32 PIs per 100 person-years overall and 42 PIs per 100 person-years for CHCWs with clinical job duties. Underreporting was common, with only 25 (49%) of 51 PIs formally reported to the administration. Independent risk factors for experiencing PI included being age 45 or older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.41 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31-4.46]) and having job duties that involved needle contact (aOR, 3.70 [95% CI, 1.28-10.63]) or blood contact (aOR, 5.05 [95% CI, 1.45-17.54]). Overall, 222 CHCWs (72%) reported having received a primary hepatitis B vaccination series; of these, 150 (68%) tested positive for anti-hepatitis B surface antigen, with negative results significantly associated with receipt of last dose more than 5 years previously. Serologic markers of hepatitis B virus infection were identified in 31 individuals (10%), and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection was 2% (n = 7). The high hepatitis B vaccination rate limited the ability to identify risk factors for infection, but hepatitis C virus infection correlated with community risk factors only. CONCLUSION. Although the wide coverage with hepatitis B vaccination and the decreasing rate of hepatitis C virus infection in the general population are encouraging, the high rate of exposure in CHCWs and the lack of exposure documentation are concerns. Continued efforts to develop interventions to reduce exposures and encourage reporting should be implemented and evaluated in correctional healthcare settings. These interventions should address infection control barriers unique to the correctional setting.

Prevalence of safer needle devices and factors associated with their adoption : Results of a National Hospital Survey

Sinclair, R. C., Maxfield, A., Marks, E. L., Thompson, D. R., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Public Health Reports

Volume

117

Issue

4

Page(s)

340-349

10.1016/S0033-3549(04)50170-X

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives. In this study, we collected and analyzed the first data available on the extent of the adoption of safer needle devices (engineered sharps injury protections [ESIPs]) by U.S. hospitals and on the degree to which selected factors influence the use of this technology. Methods. We gathered data via a telephone survey of a random sample of 494 U.S. hospitals from November 1999 through February 2000. Results. Although 83% of the sample reported some ESIP adoption, adoption was inconsistent across types of devices. All of the appropriate units in 52% of the facilities had adopted needleless intravenous delivery systems, but the hospitals used other types of ESIPs less often. A respondent's perception that the cost of ESIPs would not be a problem for the hospital was the best predictor of adoption of ESIPs in the facility, explaining 8% of the variance. Other predictors of adoption included the size of the hospital and the presence or absence of state legislative activity on the needlestick issue. Conclusions. Smaller hospitals may require special encouragement and assistance from outside sources to adopt expensive risk-reduction innovations such as ESIPs. Although use of ESIPs is the mandated and preferred way to protect workers from needlesticks, complete adoption of this technology will depend on the support of the social systems in which it is used and the people who use it.