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Biohazard Accidents, Harmful Elements to the Wellness of Healthcare Workers, and Their Risk Factors

Author

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  • Juan José Tejada-Pérez

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 La Cañada, Spain
    Occupational Health Service, Poniente Hospital Entrepreneurial Public Health Agency, Ctra. Almerimar, 31, 04700 El Ejido, Spain)

  • María Renée Herrera-Burgos

    (Occupational Health Service, Poniente Hospital Entrepreneurial Public Health Agency, Ctra. Almerimar, 31, 04700 El Ejido, Spain)

  • Tesifón Parrón-Carreño

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 La Cañada, Spain)

  • Raquel Alarcón-Rodríguez

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Almeria, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 La Cañada, Spain)

Abstract

Background. For healthcare personnel, biohazard accidents pose a significant risk to their health. These exposures can enable the transmission of pathogens such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Objective. To indicate and quantify the risk associated with higher threatening situations, such as biohazard accidents on repeated occasions or incorrect notifications to injured healthcare professionals. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Poniente Hospital in Almeria (Spain). In total, 592 participants reported 1062 accidents and their characteristics and notifications were analyzed. Results. It was found that women (OR = 1.29) working in the surgical area (OR = 2.92), those on indefinite contracts (OR = 1.67), and those with high work experience (OR = 1.14) were the main risk factors for multiple biohazard accidents. Concerning the incorrect notification of these accidents, the main risk factors were work performance during the afternoon shift (OR = 1.72) and the fact that the accident was caused by the injured worker himself (OR = 1.53). Conclusions. This study outlined the main factors that can contribute to healthcare professionals suffering these accidents. As a result, corrective measures must be taken against these risk factors to improve safety for healthcare workers in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan José Tejada-Pérez & María Renée Herrera-Burgos & Tesifón Parrón-Carreño & Raquel Alarcón-Rodríguez, 2022. "Biohazard Accidents, Harmful Elements to the Wellness of Healthcare Workers, and Their Risk Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-10, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13214-:d:941851
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anna Garus-Pakowska & Magdalena Ulrichs & Ewelina Gaszyńska, 2018. "Circumstances and Structure of Occupational Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers of a Selected Hospital in Central Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-9, August.
    2. Anna Garus-Pakowska & Mariusz Górajski, 2019. "Behaviors and Attitudes of Polish Health Care Workers with Respect to the Hazards from Blood-Borne Pathogens: A Questionnaire-Based Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-13, March.
    3. Daifang Wang & Yan Ye & Qiang Zheng, 2020. "Cost of Blood and Body Fluid Occupational Exposure Management in Beijing, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-12, June.
    4. Madeleine Dulon & Johanna Stranzinger & Dana Wendeler & Albert Nienhaus, 2020. "Causes of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries When Using Devices with and without Safety Features," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-11, November.
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