Introduction and aim: Injuries with sharps in healthcare are associated with a risk of infection with blood-borne pathogens that is significant due to the high incidence of injury. Each year, 3 million healthcare workers worldwide experience percutaneous exposure to blood-borne pathogens.
The aim was to summarize the results of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids, immunization status and perception of infection risk among hospital-based healthcare workers, and to assess progress in the implementation of blood-borne infection prevention measures.
Contingent and methods: 2744 healthcare workers from 19 hospitals in the city of Sofia were studied, 87.3% women, average age 48.08 ± 11.9 years, average work experience 24.8 ± 12.6 years: 763 doctors, 1427 nurses, 208 laboratory assistants , 176 midwives, 77 rehabilitators, 93 nurses. A standardized blood exposure questionnaire “Exposure of hospital personnel to blood and blood-borne infections” was completed anonymously.
Results and discussion: 63.2% of healthcare workers had an incident of contact with blood/biological fluids during their work experience, and 45% in the previous year. Unvaccinated against hepatitis B were 41.6%. The probability of infection with blood-borne pathogens from contaminated blood after a needle stick was predominantly rated as high, with equal risk for HBV and HCV. The highest proportion of health care workers reported a 100% probability of HIV infection.
Conclusion: The frequency of injuries with sharp objects during work experience and in the previous year was high. Healthcare workers had an inaccurate perception of the risk of infection in the event of an incident involving contaminated blood. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was low.
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