Accidental Exposure to Body Fluids Among Healthcare Workers in a Referral Hospital in the Security-Challenged Region of South West Cameroon
Abstract
Innocent Takougang, Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo Cheuyem, Blessing Asongu Changeh, Ngati Denetria Nyonga and Hortense Mengong Moneboulou
Introduction: Accidental exposure to body fluids (AEBs) increases the risk of blood-borne infections among susceptible healthcare workers (HCWs). While 90% of the AEB reported occur in developed nations, they bear 90% of the burden of healthcare associated infections, sub-Saharan Africa. Social insecurity may contribute further to the vulnerability of HCWs. Our study sought to prevalence, reporting and management of AEBs among HCWs in the South-West Cameroon Region of Cameroon, that experiences security challenges since the year 2016.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2023 to April 2023, at the Buea Regional Hospital. Following informed consent, a 28-items questionnaire was administered to HCW. Data was entered and analyzed using R Statistics version 4.3.1.
Results: Out of the 230 HCWs that were approached, 200 responded for a participation rate of 85%. The prevalence of AEB was high (93%). Exposures occurred while administering injections (37%), during blood sample collection (16%), delivery (11%), surgery (10.2%) and washing. The main risk factors for AEB included female gender (aOR=2.86) and in working the medical (aOR=5.95), pediatrics (aOR=10.5), obstetrical (aOR=22.6), and dental (aOR=26.3) units. Despite their high prevalence, only 46.8% of AEBs were reported. Post-exposure management was carried out for 67.2% of the reported cases. Most HCWs were unaware of the existence of an Infection Control Committee within the study setting, corroborating gaps in the observance of Standard Precautions.
Conclusions: Most HCWs experienced AEBs over the last year. The study underscores a critical gaps in awareness and adherence to standard precautions. There is a need to sensitize and enforce the observance of Standard precautions for infection and control among HCWs of the Buea Regional Hospital. Such measures should be extended to other satellite health facilities.