Sharps injuries and exposure to blood and bloodstained body fluids involving medical waste handlers

Abstract

Exposure to healthcare waste can result in disease or injury. Though much attention is paid to the safety of healthcare professionals and their protection from sharps injury and exposure to blood and bloodstained body fluids (BBFs), the welfare and safety of non-healthcare professionals who are collecting, transporting and disposing waste has received very little attention. The objective of this study was to understand the incidence of sharps injury and occupational BBF exposure of mucous membranes involving medical waste handlers (MWHs). A cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire, observation and interview. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. The χ2 value was calculated and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. One or more incidents of sharps injuries and BBF exposures to mucous membranes occurred among 42.1% and 67.5% of MWHs respectively. None of the respondents was immunized with hepatitis B vaccine owing to the high cost of immunization and absence of free universal availability of the vaccine for the adult population. Less than 50% of MWHs wore either gloves or boots while performing their activities. Even though all knew about HIV, most of the respondents demonstrated a lack of knowledge regarding viral hepatitis. The risk of sharps injury and BBF exposure appeared high in MWHs. The establishment of safe waste-management techniques and the appropriate use of personnel protective equipment among MWHs in Addis Ababa is urgently required.