Risk of medical sharps injuries among Chinese nurses

Abstract

The risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens is a serious problem for Chinese health care workers. China has one of the highest rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the world, with almost 58% of the population demonstrating serologic evidence of past or present hepatitis B infection. 1 Yao GB Importance of perinatal versus horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in China. Gut. 1996; 38: S39-S42 Crossref PubMed Scopus (106) Google Scholar , 2 Clayton S Yang H Guan J Lin Z Wang R Hepatitis B control in China: knowledge and practices among village doctors. Am J Public Health. 1993; 83: 12 Crossref Scopus (17) Google Scholar , 3 Viral hepatitis in China: seroepidemiological survey in Chinese population (Part One), 1992-1995. Bureau of Public Health of People's Republic of China, Beijing, China1997 Google Scholar This proportion reaches more than 76% in Hunan Province. 3 Viral hepatitis in China: seroepidemiological survey in Chinese population (Part One), 1992-1995. Bureau of Public Health of People's Republic of China, Beijing, China1997 Google Scholar Hepatitis C virus is also present, with a prevalence of 3.2% for the total Chinese population and 4% in Hunan. 3 Viral hepatitis in China: seroepidemiological survey in Chinese population (Part One), 1992-1995. Bureau of Public Health of People's Republic of China, Beijing, China1997 Google Scholar In addition, the prevalence of HIV is rising. All of these bloodborne pathogens represent a significant health risk to medical personnel. 4 Chen X He J Wu H A sero-epidemiological and behavior factors study of HIV, HCV, HBV, and syphilis infection among commercial blood donors. Practical Prev Med. 1999; 6: 174-176 Google Scholar