Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids among Medical Laboratory Science Students of the University of Health and Allied Sciences during Vocational Internship in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Medical laboratory science students (MLSS), likewise health care workers (HCW), invariably get exposed to blood and body fluids (BBF) of patients. The degree of exposure of these students is even worsened due to their inexperience, which is usually revealed during their vocational training programme. This study therefore determined the prevalence of exposure to BBF and its risk factors among MLSS at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). A cross-sectional survey was employed using simple random sampling to enrol 178 students into the study. The study was conducted from February 1 to March 31, 2018, after the annual vocational training programme completed in August 2017. Self-administered questionnaires based on the objectives of the study were given out to participants to complete after their consent was sought. Descriptive data were reported as absolute number with percentages, whereas bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were done to describe relationship between risk factors and exposure to BBF. The study findings revealed that, out of 178 MLSS that participated, 90 (50.6%) experienced at least one exposure to BBF. Also, work experience before university education increased the chances of exposure to BBF (AOR = 7.37, 95% CI = 1.22–44.43, pvalue = 0.029) compared with those with no experience. In contrast, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) reduced the tendencies of exposure to BBF (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.20–0.88, p value = 0.023) compared with students who had insufficient PPE. The study showed high, 50.6% (95% CI: 43.0%–58.1%), exposure to BBF. Work history and sufficient PPE were the most significantly associated risk factors. In view of this, there is the need to promote training and education on exposure to BBF particularly among experienced students and also encourage health facilities to continue providing enough PPE for students during their annual obligatory vocational internship programmes.

Occupational health hazards among healthcare providers and ancillary staff in Ghana: a scoping review

“… 35–40 Besides, needlestick injury prevalence over the 12-month duration ranged from 14.0% in a study done in the Volta Region to 66.0% in a study conducted in the Northern Region. 35 37 40–42 A lifetime prevalence of needlestick injuries was reported as 54.6% in a study conducted in the Northern Region. 41 Further, two studies conducted in the Volta and Greater Accra Regions reported a 12-month prevalence of splash of blood and body fluids at 21.3% and 60.5%, respectively.…”

“…The prevalence of sharp instrument-related injuries over 1 year ranged from 7.9% in a study conducted in the Volta Region to 53.7% in a study carried out in the Greater Accra Region 35–40. Besides, needlestick injury prevalence over the 12-month duration ranged from 14.0% in a study done in the Volta Region to 66.0% in a study conducted in the Northern Region 35 37 40–42. A lifetime prevalence of needlestick injuries was reported as 54.6% in a study conducted in the Northern Region 41.…”

“…Also, a 1-year prevalence of cuts was reported as 34.6%, 62.1% and 70.5% in studies conducted in Ashanti, Greater Accra and Northern Regions, respectively 37 40 43. A single study reported an annual prevalence of torn gloves as 32.0% 35…”

“…36 While adequate PPE, being trained in infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and working in the outpatient department decreased the odds of exposure to blood and body fluids, having had working experience, and moderate and high-risk perception increased the chances of exposure to blood and body fluids. 35 36 …”

Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among nursing students in clinical internship

“…Prevalence rates of 60.3%, 88.6%, 9.4%, 13.9% and 49% were found in China, Egypt, The United States, Australia and Turkey respectively. 9 , 10 To our knowledge, in Morocco, no study has been published to describe the frequency of OBEA among nursing students. It is within this framework that the objective of this study falls, which aims to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with occupational exposure to biological material potentially infected by blood in a nursing student population.…”