PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BLOOD AND OTHERS BODY FLUIDS AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN SHIRE TOWN, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2019

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Health-care workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens through contact with human body fluids and highly prevalent in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids among health care workers in shire town. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 30 to April 15, 2019. Three hundred and seventy- nine health care professional (HCPs) were selected using simple random sampling techniques. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, entered into EPI info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify the factor associated with occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids (BBFs). Result: One hundred and fifty-four (40.6%) with 95% confidence interval (CI) (35.8-45.2) HCPs were exposed to BBFs in the last 12 months. Lack of training on infection prevention with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.84, 95% (CI) (1.01-3.33), absence of safety sign AOR 2.16, 95% CI (1.17-3.99), not using of personal protective equipment’s (PPEs) AOR 4.4, 95% CI (2.56-7.7), and absence of infection prevention committee AOR 2.35, 95% CI (1.4-3.9) were factors associated with occupational exposure to BBFs. Conclusion: High proportion of HCPs were exposed to BBFs in this study. Occupational exposure to BBFs was determined by training on infection prevention, presence of safety sign, appropriate use of PPE and availability of infection prevention committee. Ensuring the availability of infection prevention committee, safety sign, training on infection prevention and use of PPE are recommended to minimize such exposure. Keywords: occupational exposure, blood and other body fluids, North Ethiopia.