Introduction. Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids is a serious
concern of health care workers and presents a major risk of transmission of
infections such as human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus
(HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Objective. The aim of this study was to
determine the frequency and circumstances of occupational blood and body
fluid exposures among health care workers. Methods. Cross-sectional study was
conducted in three university hospitals in Belgrade. Anonymous questionnaire
was used containing data about demographic characteristics, self-reported
blood and body fluid exposures and circumstances of percutaneous injuries.
Results. Questionnaire was filled in and returned by 216 health care workers
(78.2% of nurses and 21.8% of doctors). 60.6% of participants-health care
workers had sustained at least one needlestick injury during their
professional practice; 25.9% of them in the last 12 months. Of occupational
groups, nurses had higher risk to experience needlestick injuries than
doctors (p=0.05). The majority of the exposures occurred in the operating
theatre (p=0.001). Among factors contributing to the occurrence of
needlestick injuries, recapping needles (p=0.003) and
decontamination/cleaning instruments after surgery (p=0.001) were more
frequent among nurses, while use of a needle before intervention was common
among doctors (p=0.004). Only 41.2% of health care workers had reported their
injuries to a supervisor in order to obtain medical attention. 50.2% of
health care workers were vaccinated with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine.
Conclusion. There is a high rate of needlestick injuries in the daily
hospital routine. Implementation of safety devices would lead to improvement
in health and safety of medical staff.
Needlestick Injuries among Health Care Workers: A Literature Review
