Epidemiology and clinical consequences of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids in a university hospital in Saudi Arabia

To describe the epidemiological characteristics, clinical impact, and adequacy of post-exposure management of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). Retrospective chart review of individuals reporting exposure to BBFs from 2007 to 2013 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Saudi medical journal Vol. 37; no. 7; pp. 783 - 790
Main Authors:	Samargandy, Shireen A, Bukhari, Lujain M, Samargandy, Shaza A, Bahlas, Rawiah S, Aldigs, Eman K, Alawi, Maha A, Al-Abdullah, Nabeela A, Madani, Tariq A
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Saudi Arabia Saudi Medical Journal 01-07-2016
Subjects:	Adult Aged Blood Body Fluids Epidemiology Female Health aspects Hepatitis Hospitals, University Humans Male Medical personnel Middle Aged Occupational Exposure Original Saudi Arabia Virus diseases Young Adult
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Summary:	To describe the epidemiological characteristics, clinical impact, and adequacy of post-exposure management of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). Retrospective chart review of individuals reporting exposure to BBFs from 2007 to 2013 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The total number of exposures reported was 326 exposures, of which 302 (92.6%) exposures were percutaneous, 21 (6.5%), mucocutaneous, and 3 (0.9%), bites. Nursing staff/students had the highest rate of exposure (149, or 45.6%), followed by physicians (57, or 17.5%). Surgeons were found to have a significantly higher risk for sharp injuries compared with other physicians (26.3%, or 15 exposures, p less than 0.005). Most (216, or 72.5%) percutaneous injuries were caused by hollow-bore needles. Majority of exposures (124, or 42.6%) occurred after using the needle/sharp item and before disposal. Two-thirds (219, or 67%) of exposed individuals were immune to hepatitis B at the time of exposure. With appropriate post-exposure management, none of exposed individuals seroconverted to HIV, hepatitis B or C virus infections. Occupational exposure to BBFs remains a concern among healthcare workers. Educational programs targeting high-risk groups entailing reinforcement of prevention and adherence to post-exposure management guidelines are needed.
ISSN:	0379-5284 1658-3175
DOI:	10.15537/smj.2016.7.14261