RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Epidemiology and clinical consequences of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids in a university hospital in Saudi Arabia
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 783
OP 790
DO 10.15537/smj.2016.7.14261
VO 37
IS 7
A1 Samargandy, Shireen A.
A1 Bukhari, Lujain M.
A1 Samargandy, Shaza A.
A1 Bahlas, Rawiah S.
A1 Aldigs, Eman K.
A1 Alawi, Maha M.
A1 Al-Abdullah, Nabeela A.
A1 Madani, Tariq A.
YR 2016
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/37/7/783.abstract
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.