A multi-center study of the comparative evaluation of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among health care workers in Edo central senatorial district, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: according to the World Health Organization, annually, about 3-4million health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to blood and body fluids (BBFs). This accidental exposure may lead to infections by blood borne pathogens, in particular, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is highly worrisome especially in developing countries like ours where the prevalence of blood borne infections are high and the standard precautions´ practices are poor. Objectives: to determine and compare the prevalence and pattern of occupational exposure to BBF among HCWs at the three level of health care.