Abstract
BackgroundOccupational exposure to blood borne pathogens caused by percutaneous injuries or mucosal contamination is frequent among Healthcare Workers (HCW).MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of HCW with an occupational exposure to blood reported to professional risk insurance agencies between 2009 and 2014 was performed. Comparisons between groups according to exposure level (mild, moderate, and severe) were evaluated.ResultsTwo thousand, four hundred three reports were classified according exposure as mild 2.7 %, moderate 74.8 %, severe 21.9 %. Factors related: health sciences student with mild exposure events [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 11.91, 95 % CI 5.13–27.61, p < 0.00001], and physician with moderate exposure events (AOR 1.90, 95 % CI 1.17–3.07, p = 0.009). Factors inversely related: physician with severe exposure events (AOR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.32–0.91, p = 0.02) and health sciences student with moderate exposure events (AOR 0.08, 95 % CI 0.04–0.15, p < 0.00001). It was found an important relationship between severe events with infectious diseases specialist assessment, and follow-up adherence. Additionally, a case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus seroconversion was presented (0.0004 %), no other seroconversions were observed.ConclusionsOccupational exposure events must be managed according to established protocols, but adherence failure was evident with the exception of severe exposure cases. Thus, interventions to enhance occupational safety are required. Occupation must be considered as a risk factor during initial assessment of events.
Highlights
Occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens caused by percutaneous injuries or mucosal contamination is frequent among Healthcare Workers (HCW)
This study included registries of Colombian HCWs who presented an episode of exposure to blood borne pathogens caused by percutaneous injuries or mucous membranes contamination reported to five professional risks insurance companies and evaluated in Servicios y Asesorías en Infectología (SAI), which performed the occupational exposure initial management and follow-up, between years 2009 and 2014
The sample size was calculated taking into account the formula for this type of study based on expected prevalence of occupational exposure events in a local teaching hospital from Colombia (31.6 %) [31]
Summary
Occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens caused by percutaneous injuries or mucosal contamination is frequent among Healthcare Workers (HCW). Health Care Workers (HCW) refers to any person that performs a paid or non-paid labor activity in health care [1, 2]. This population is potentially exposed to infectious materials as corporal fluids and contaminated medical devices and surfaces. Exposure to blood borne pathogens caused by percutaneous injuries or mucous membranes contamination is a frequent event. It is considered, seroconversion risk for blood borne viruses are; 1–6 % to 22–31 % for Hepatitis B
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More From: Journal of occupational medicine and toxicology (London, England)
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