The surveillance data collected by the Romanian Ministry of Health during 1997-98 indicated that acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was associated with receiving injections among children aged <5 years. It is noted that in Romania injection frequently is used by nurses to administer medication. In view of this interviews were conducted among clinic and hospital nurses in Romania in order to identify the practices that might have resulted in injection-associated HBV transmission. A total of 180 nurses on the payroll agreed to be interviewed. Overall results showed that although nurses used new disposable syringes and needles other inadequate infection control practices and situations might explain injection-associated HBV transmission. These include preparing injections in areas potentially contaminated with blood multidose vial handling and inadequate supplies. Results of the survey were used by the Romanian Coalition to Prevent Nosocomial Infection to prepare standards for infection safety to protect patients and health care workers from HBV infection.
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A 2001 study studied this question.