Occupational blood and body fluids exposures: Prevalence, sources and predictors among healthcare providers in south-south Nigeria

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Community Medicine, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

2 Department of Community Medicine, Delta State University, Abraka

3 Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

4 Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria as in other African countries, blood and body fluids exposure (BBFE) amongst healthcare providers are generally underreported or poorly documented.
Objective: This study assessed the prevalence, sources and predictors of BBFE among healthcare providers in south-south Nigeria.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted to assess the prevalence, sources and predictors of BBFE among 565 healthcare providers. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered. Descriptive and inferential analysis of data collected was carried out using the IBM SPSS version 22 software.
Results: Over half (58.6 %) of the study participants reported at least one BBFE in the previous one year preceding the study. Needle stick injury (42.0%) and accidental mucosal exposure (33.0%) were the commonest sources of BBFE respectively; while skin contacts (13.0 %) and sharp cut injury (12.0 %) were the least sources of BBFE among the study participants. The study participants who work in a non-surgical department and who had received IPC training were 40 % and 50% respectively less likely to have BBFE.
Conclusion: The prevalence of BBFE was high among the study participants. Regular training of healthcare providers in infection prevention and control is recommended.

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The Egyptian Journal of Community Medicine
Volume 40, Issue 2
April 2022
Pages 128-133

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