Workplace Hazards Associated with the Use of Surgical Instruments and their Preventive Measures Among Veterinarians in Nigeria

Abstract

Jonas A. Onah, Richard S. Okafor, Aisha U. Zaifada, Simon I. Enem, Simon U. Uba, Paschael U. Umeakuana, Esther Z. Tags and Audu Zaccharia

Many practicing veterinarians are involved in hazards associated with the use of surgical instruments. This study investigated the prevalence of surgical-instrument-injury (SSI) among practicing veterinarian in Nigeria, using structured questionnaire. Out of two hundred and twelve (212) questionnaires that were retrieved, 146 (68.9%) were males, 42 (19.8%) females and 24 (11.3 %) did not identify their sexes. Also, 37 ((17.5%) of the respondents had between 1-5 years of experience; 63 (29.7%) had 6-10; 67 (31.6%) had 11-20, while 45 (21.2%) had more than 20 years of experience. Respondents were drawn from different work places including ministries (39.6%), veterinary schools (31.6%), private practitioners (16.4%), and other sectors (12.4%). Only 193 (91.0 %) of the respondents were involved in veterinary practice, of which, 37 (19.2%) performed surgery always, 73 (37.8%) often and 83 (43.0%) rarely performed surgery. The most performed procedures were castrations 99 (51.8%), wound repair 92 ((49.2) and Caesarean Section 84 (40.4). About 75 (44.1%) and 77 (42.7%) of respondents were rarely involved in ovariohysterectomy and ear cropping respectively. Other procedures were ear notching, hoof trimming and teeth amputation. Majority of the respondents agreed that poor restraint techniques and lack of assistants were the major predisposing factors to SII. While others agreed that lack of instrument and inexperience also contributed significantly. The frequency of injuries related to surgical instrument were needle 93 (63.2%), scalpel 75 (51.4%), bites 73 (52.5%), razor 57 (42.5%) and mallet 38 (26.2%) while injuries involved were: cuts, mallet injury, animal bites/ kicks, horn goring, drug splash and needle prick/puncture. The suggested preventive measures to SII were proper restraint 80 (44%), adequate instruments 46 (25%), workforce 33 (18%), capacity building 23 (12.6%) and combination of these measures. Veterinarians should prioritize their safety during practice; Workshop and seminar for capacity building, Interest-free loans for procuring basic surgical instrument and review of Veterinary Curriculum to reflect the present challenges should be of lasting solution to SII.

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