Lahuerta M, Selenic D, Kassa G, Mwakitosha G, Hokororo J, Ngonyani H, Basavaraju SV, Courtenay-Quirk C, Liu Y, Kazaura K, Simbeye D, Bock N. Reporting and case management of occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens among healthcare workers in three healthcare facilities in Tanzania.
J Infect Prev 2016;
17:153-160. [PMID:
28989474 DOI:
10.1177/1757177416645343]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In sub-Saharan Africa, blood-borne pathogens exposure (BPE) is a serious risk to healthcare workers (HCW).
METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional study assessing BPE among HCW at three public hospitals in Tanzania. From August to November 2012, HCW were surveyed using Audio-Computer Assisted Self-Interview. All HCW at risk for BPE were invited to participate. Factors associated with reporting BPE were identified using logistic regression.
FINDINGS
Of the 1102 eligible HCW, 973 (88%) completed the survey. Of these, 690 (71%) were women and 499 (52%) were nurses and nurse assistants. Of the 357 HCW who had a BPE (32%) in the previous 6 months, 120 (34%) reported it. Among these 120 reported exposures, 93 (78%) HCWs reported within 2 h of exposure, 98 (82%) received pre- and post-HIV test counselling, and 70 (58%) were offered post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Independent factors associated with reporting BPE were being female (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.5), having ever-received BPE training (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.5), knowledge that HCW receive PEP at another facility (AOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.5-4.4), low/no perceived risk related to BPE (AOR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.9-9.4) and HIV testing within the past year (AOR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.4).
CONCLUSION
These results highlight the importance of appropriate training on the prevention and reporting of occupational exposure to increase acceptance of HIV testing and improve access to PEP after BPE.
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