Accidents exposing blood to the staff of a hospital and university establishment in Algeria: Assessment and risk factors

Abstract

Background: Accidents exposing to blood AEB represent real public health problem in healthcare establishments. The objective of our study was to estimate the frequency of AEB As at our establishment as well as the risk factors that determine their occurrence. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted at a hospital university establishment over period from October 16 to December 3, 2018. The survey concerned accident exposing blood to the staff of our establishment. Data entry and analysis was carried out using Epi-Info software. Results: A clear predominance of women was noted (79.2%) among the study population with a Sex ratio equal to 0.26. The average age was 27.7 ± 6.2 years.The frequency of exposure to AEB among hospital staff was 48.5%. Needlestick injuries were the most common accident (88.3%), followed by splashing blood or body fluids (51.7%), and cutting with a sharp object (10.0%). Among the risk factors significantly associated with the occurrence of AEB, we can cite the medical profession (OR = 3.94; p<0.001), the surgical specialty (OR = 3.3; p <0.01), the male sex (OR = 3.7; p <0.01). Likewise, risk of AEB increased significantly with age (p <0.01) and professional seniority (p <0.02). Keywords: Accidents exposing blood; hospital staff; Algeria.