Occupational Blood and Body Fluids Exposures: Prevalence, Sources and Predictors among Healthcare Providers in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria as in other African countries, blood and body fluids exposure (BBFE) amongst healthcare providers are generally underreported or poorly documented. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence, sources and predictors of BBFE among healthcare providers in south-south Nigeria. Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted to assess the prevalence, sources and predictors of BBFE among 565 healthcare providers. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire which was self-administered. Descriptive and inferential analysis of data collected was carried out using the IBM SPSS version 22 software. Results: Over half (58.6 %) of the study participants reported at least one BBFE in the previous one year preceding the study. Needle stick injury (42.0%) and accidental mucosal exposure (33.0%) were the commonest sources of BBFE respectively; while skin contacts (13.0 %) and sharp cut injury (12.0 %) were the least sources of BBFE among the study participants. The study participants who work in a non-surgical department and who had received IPC training were 40 % and 50% respectively less likely to have BBFE. Conclusion: The prevalence of BBFE was high among the study participants. Regular training of healthcare providers in infection prevention and control is recommended.