Circumstances of Occurrence and Factors Associated with Occupational Exposure to Body Fluids in District Hospitals (Yaoundé, Cameroon)

Abstract Background: Though of worldwide occurrence, accidental exposure to body fluids affects developing countries most, especially sub-Saharan Africa. Exposure to body fluids in occupational settings affects the safety and wellbeing of healthcare workers, hindering the quality of healthcare. The aim of the present investigation was to identify the tasks prone to occupational exposure to body fluids and associated risk factors. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out from January to April 2022 in six District Hospitals in Yaoundé. A self-administered questionnaire was addressed to consenting healthcare workers. Data related to exposure to blood and body fluid were analysed using loglinear model logistic regression on R statistic version 4.2.3. Statistical significance was considered for p -value < 5%. Results: A total of 217 participants were enrolled in this study. The main circumstances of percutaneous injury were handling needles while providing care (30.9%) and surgical procedures (19.5%). Fatigue related to long working hours (32.9%), stress (22.8%) and lack of personal protective equipment (17.4%) were reported determinants of percutaneous injuries. Poor compliance with standard precautions, such as washing scalpel for reuse (OR = 7.56) were associated with needles stick injuries. Working in the surgical department was associated with exposure to splash (AOR = 4.72) and percutaneous injury (OR=3.11). Conclusion: Exposure to body fluids involved splashes, needlestick and sharp injuries, occurring mainly in the surgical departments. There is an urgent need to design and implement preventive activities to reduce the risk of infections related to occupational exposure to body fluids among healthcare workers.