Health care worker follow-up compliance after occupational bloodborne pathogens exposure: A brief report

Mobile application development structured in self-care for occupational post-exposure prophylaxis to biological material

OBJECTIVE

to develop and validate an application for cellphones structured in self-care to encourage adherence to antiretroviral prophylaxis after occupational exposure to biological material.

METHODS

phase 1 - descriptive study to identify characteristics of occupational exposure; phase 2 - methodological study to construct and validate an application content aiming to increase adherence to antiretrovirals.

RESULTS

phase 1 - 55 occupational exposures were recorded; 32 (58.2%) antiretroviral indication. Blood was present in 96.9% of exposures; most professionals have insufficient knowledge about exposure risks. A statistical relationship was identified between self-care and adherence (p<0.001). Phase 2 - application was constructed, validated by 11 experts, and considered appropriate to encourage health professionals for self-care and adherence to antiretrovirals.

CONCLUSION

the application "Exposição Ocupacional ao HIV" was considered adequate to expand self-care and adherence of professionals to prophylactic treatment to occupational infections arising from biological risks.

Strengths and Weaknesses in the Risk Management of Blood-Borne Infections: Qualitative Research in Public Health

This article presents the research from the first phase of our study on blood-borne risk management, wherein we solicited epidemiologists' and healthcare practitioners' expert opinions on a blood-borne infection risk assessment in Poland. Forty-two experts were recommended by epidemiology consultants and recruited from all districts in Poland. We used the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) method in the evaluation. Experts' opinions showed that there is room for improvement in the prevention of blood-borne infections. Commonly reported weaknesses in the risk assessment included gaps in knowledge and inappropriate procedures, which are largely caused by financial constraints and practitioners' lack of awareness of developments in their trade. Strengths included legal regulations for medical services and procedures, surveillance, and increasing awareness on the part of medical staff. When paired with the existing statistical data, these results provide a comprehensive view of the problem of blood-borne infections in Poland. The analysis supported the development of a strategy proposal to prevent blood-borne infections and enhance existing risk assessment procedures.

Analysis of Risk Factors in Occupational Accidents in Brazil: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of occupational risks factors, including specific work characteristics with the occurrence of accidents at workplace and on the way to work in Brazil.

METHODS

We used a cross-sectional study design with comparison groups, to inquire data from 47,629 participants of the Brazilian National Health Survey. Logistic regression analysis was performed for distinct multivariate models.

RESULTS

Exposure to intense noise, biological materials, work experience of 40 years or more, and intense physical exertion were significantly associated with accidents at work. Regarding to accidents on the way to work, exposure to intense noise and performing work activities that require intense physical exertion remained associated.

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to highlight the effects of multiple work-related risk factors on the occurrence of occupational accidents at the workplace and on the way to work in Brazil.

Evaluation of the Knowledge and Attitudes of Dental Students toward Occupational Blood Exposure Accidents at the End of the Dental Training Program

Aims and Objectives:

This study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding occupational blood exposure accidents (OBEA) among dental students at the end of the whole dental education program.

Materials and Methods:

The survey was performed using a student self-administered questionnaire during July 2015 in the dental teaching hospital in Rabat. It was conducted on 117 dental students registered in the 5^th year. The results were analyzed by SPSS Software, Version 13.0. Univariate analysis was performed by descriptive statistics, and bivariate analysis was used to identify correlations between different variables.

Results:

Eighty-three students answered the questionnaire (participation rate: 70%). Most participants had incomplete knowledge about the management and the risks of OBEA. Thirty-five participants (42%) experienced at least one occupational exposure to patients' blood. Needle recapping has been the main cause of such injuries (41%). Most accidents occurred, respectively, in the oral surgery (51%) and the restorative dentistry (17%) departments. According to many participants, they had received insufficient education concerning this topic.

Conclusions:

More effective education on prevention and management of OBEA is highly recommended to reduce the prevalence of such injuries. Dental schools should set up a local management unit for following and supporting the exposed students.