Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids Among Health Care Professionals in Bahir Dar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundHealth care professionals (HCPs) are at high risk of contracting blood-borne infections due to their occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). The incidence of these infections among HCPs are higher in low income countries such as Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of occupational exposure to BBFs and its associated factors among HCPs in Bahir Dar town, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was used from October 1, 2012 to October 30, 2012. Three hundred and seventeen HCPs were included in the study using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the factors related to exposure to BBFs.ResultsTwo hundred and nine (65.9%) HCPs were exposed to BBFs in the past year, of which 29.0% were needlestick injuries. Work experience [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–10.91], inconsistent use of gloves (AOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.04–3.43), and not complying with standard precautions (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.00–3.22) were the factors associated with occupational exposure to BBFs.ConclusionA high proportion of HCPs was exposed to BBFs in this study. Occupational exposure to BBFs was determined by the use of gloves and not complying with standard precautions. Ensuring the availability of gloves, training about standard precautions, and motivation of HCPs to implement standard precautions should be emphasized to avoid such exposures.

The associations of workload, individual and organisational factors on nurses’ occupational injuries

“…On the other hand, experienced nurses due to their higher knowledge and more professional skills are able to prevent injuries better than new personnel (Clarke, ). Increased working years has been introduced as an effective factor on the increased rate of BBFEs among nurses in Ethiopia (Yenesew & Fekadu, ). The healthcare staff in Yugoslavia who worked in rotating shifts had more injuries in comparison with nurses working in fixed day shifts, although the relation was not significant (Marković‐Denić et al., ).…”

Occupational Exposure to Needle Stick and Sharp Injuries and Associated Factors among Health Care Workers in Awi Zone, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia, 2016

“…A study in in Bahir Dar, Amhara, Ethiopia, showed that 65.9% of health care providers were exposed to blood and body fluids in the past year, of which 29.0% were needle stick injuries [3]. NSIs can be regarded as preventable, if health care workers adopt a comprehensive program that addresses institutional, behavioral, and device-related factors that contribute to the occurrence of needle stick injuries in health care workers [4].…”

Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids among Health Care Workers in Mizan Tepi University Teaching Hospital, Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia

“…Health care workers are at risk of getting blood and body fluid exposures which is a major risk factor in the transmission of infections such as human Immuno deficiency virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis c virus (HCV) through percutaneous and muco-cutanous routes [1][2][3].These blood borne infections are communicable, chronic and have serious consequences ,including long term illness, Disability and finally death [4,5].The risk of accidental exposure to blood and body fluids is especially increased in the following situations while taking blood samples, during intravenous, intramuscular or sub cutaneous injections, recapping of already used needles, surgery especially during suturing in blood sinked wound closure, delivery, while giving emergency care, during clean up transportation of waste products and incase of instrument processing procedures [6,7].…”