PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Samargandy, Shireen A.
AU  - Bukhari, Lujain M.
AU  - Samargandy, Shaza A.
AU  - Bahlas, Rawiah S.
AU  - Aldigs, Eman K.
AU  - Alawi, Maha M.
AU  - Al-Abdullah, Nabeela A.
AU  - Madani, Tariq A.
TI  - Epidemiology and clinical consequences of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids in a university hospital in Saudi Arabia
AID  - 10.15537/smj.2016.7.14261
DP  - 2016 Jul 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 783--790
VI  - 37
IP  - 7
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/37/7/783.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/37/7/783.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2016 Jul 01; 37
AB  - Objectives: To describe the epidemiological characteristics, clinical impact, and adequacy of post-exposure management of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs).Methods: Retrospective chart review of individuals reporting exposure to BBFs from 2007 to 2013 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Results: 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<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.Conclusion: 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.