Occupational Blood Exposures in Health Care Workers at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital: Incidence, Characteristics and Transmission of Blood Borne Pathogens

Health care workers (HCW) are at risk of contracting Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Human immunodeficiency viruses through Occupational Blood Exposure (OBE). Information on the incidence rate, epidemiological characteristics and transmission rate are essential to formulate effective preventive measures and management of OBE. From June-2016 to May-2018, OBE among HCW were captured systematically in EPINet (Exposure prevention information network) Register through Self reporting system. Data on number of in-patient days was collected. Incidence rate, epidemiological characteristics and transmission rate were analyzed and evaluated. Sixty seven OBE incidents were reported by HCWs accounting to an incidence rate of 0.2/1000 in-patient days. Of these, 94% were Needle stick injuries and 6% were Blood and body fluid exposures. OBE incidents occurred mainly in wards, emergency department and operation theatre with a rate of 38.8%, 35.8% and 14.9% respectively. Exposures were encountered mainly by Interns (32.8%), staff-nurses (22.4%), Post-graduate students (14.9%) and Nursing students (14.9%). Recapping of the needle was the activity which led to OBE in 37.3% and improper disposal of sharps in 22.38 % of the incidents. In addition, 19.4% and 8.95% of the incidents were due to accidental and patient factors respectively. None of the followed-up HCWs at the end of 6 months were infected by these exposures. The study brings out the epidemiological characteristics of OBE and throws a light on the target population among HCW who require more awareness and training to prevent OBE.