Occupational exposures among nurses and housekeeping personnel in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence and related factors of blood and body fluid exposure (BBFE)among nurses and housekeeping personnel in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective survey of BBFE among 858 nurses and housekeeping personnel who were working in the year 2004 was done. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire RESULTS: The annual incidence rate of BBFE was 31.9% (by person) and 45.5 exposures per 100 persons (by event). The highest incidence rate was observed in percutaneous exposure. Graduated nurses had the greatest risk of all exposures, but housekeeping personnel had the highest rate ofpercutaneous exposure. The highest incidence of BBFE was observed in the emergency room. Most BBFE occurred after using a medical instrument. 76.9% of BBFE were not reported. CONCLUSION: The incidence of BBFE among nurses and housekeeping personnel in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital was high. Systematic control measures and good organization of the work and workplace should be urgently implemented.