Risk of bloodborne pathogen exposure among Zambian healthcare workers

Abstract

The injury risks identified among Zambian workers are serious and are exacerbated by the high prevalence of bloodborne pathogens in the population. This suggests that there is a high risk of occupationally acquired bloodborne pathogen infection. The findings also highlight the need for a hepatitis B vaccination program focused on healthcare workers. The risks associated with bloodborne pathogens threaten to further diminish an already scarce resource in Zambia - trained healthcare workers. To decrease these risks, we suggest the use of low-cost disposal alternatives, the implementation of cost-sensitive protective strategies and the re-allocation of some treatment resources to primary prevention.

Occupational Health Hazards Prevailing among Healthcare Workers in Developing Countries

“…These findings were consistent with studies by Orji et al and Fasunloro and Owotade in Nigeria [16,17]. Additionally, improper disposal of medical waste such as needles and other sharps has been found to cause injuries on HCWs which can also transmit blood borne diseases [10]. Lee in 2009 argued that the increase in acquisition of blood borne diseases by HCWs in developing countries is due to the high prevalence of HIV, HBV and HBC, hence making them more likely to acquire such blood borne diseases [15].…”

“…Post-exposure prophylaxis should be made available to HCWs who sustain needle stick injuries [43]. Health facilities should also have proper medical waste disposal systems to dispose of waste [10]. Additionally, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be made accessible to HCWs with a written plan on how and when to use it [45].…”

“…Occupational hazards as a result of exposure to infectious blood borne pathogens including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and other health related events are among the most serious health risks faced by HCWs in developing countries [10][11][12][13]. These exposures do not only affect the quality of care being delivered by HCWs but also affects the safety and well-being of care providers.…”

“…These exposures do not only affect the quality of care being delivered by HCWs but also affects the safety and well-being of care providers. Majority of these occupational health hazards are known to occur in developing countries but only 4% of these hazards are being reported with few papers on occupational hazards affecting HCWs in developing countries [10,14]. This review paper will bring to light the common occupational health hazards with associated risk factors affecting HCWs in developing countries and to make recommendations to tackle these challenges.…”

Healthcare worker safety: a vital component of surgical capacity development in low-resource settings

“…31 A recent survey of healthcare workers in Zambia found that 88% reported availability of PEP but only 8% were fully vaccinated against HBV. 32 To fully protect health care workers, HIV awareness is not enough. Further awareness and prevention of hepatitis, including access to HBV vaccination for healthcare workers, is of paramount importance.…”