Epidemiology and clinical consequences of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids in a university hospital in Saudi Arabia

Authors

• Shireen A. Samargandy, From the Department of Medicine (Samargandy Shireen, Bukhari, Samargandy Shaza, Madani), Faculty of Medicine, the Infection Control and Environmental Health Unit (Bahlas, Alawi, Al-Abdullah, Madani), the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (Aldigs, Alawi), Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Public Health (Al-Abdullah), College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Lujain M. Bukhari, From the Department of Medicine (Samargandy Shireen, Bukhari, Samargandy Shaza, Madani), Faculty of Medicine, the Infection Control and Environmental Health Unit (Bahlas, Alawi, Al-Abdullah, Madani), the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (Aldigs, Alawi), Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Public Health (Al-Abdullah), College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Shaza A. Samargandy, From the Department of Medicine (Samargandy Shireen, Bukhari, Samargandy Shaza, Madani), Faculty of Medicine, the Infection Control and Environmental Health Unit (Bahlas, Alawi, Al-Abdullah, Madani), the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (Aldigs, Alawi), Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Public Health (Al-Abdullah), College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Rawiah S. Bahlas, From the Department of Medicine (Samargandy Shireen, Bukhari, Samargandy Shaza, Madani), Faculty of Medicine, the Infection Control and Environmental Health Unit (Bahlas, Alawi, Al-Abdullah, Madani), the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (Aldigs, Alawi), Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Public Health (Al-Abdullah), College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Eman K. Aldigs, From the Department of Medicine (Samargandy Shireen, Bukhari, Samargandy Shaza, Madani), Faculty of Medicine, the Infection Control and Environmental Health Unit (Bahlas, Alawi, Al-Abdullah, Madani), the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (Aldigs, Alawi), Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Public Health (Al-Abdullah), College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Maha M. Alawi, From the Department of Medicine (Samargandy Shireen, Bukhari, Samargandy Shaza, Madani), Faculty of Medicine, the Infection Control and Environmental Health Unit (Bahlas, Alawi, Al-Abdullah, Madani), the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (Aldigs, Alawi), Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Public Health (Al-Abdullah), College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Nabeela A. Al-Abdullah, From the Department of Medicine (Samargandy Shireen, Bukhari, Samargandy Shaza, Madani), Faculty of Medicine, the Infection Control and Environmental Health Unit (Bahlas, Alawi, Al-Abdullah, Madani), the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (Aldigs, Alawi), Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Public Health (Al-Abdullah), College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
• Tariq A. Madani, From the Department of Medicine (Samargandy Shireen, Bukhari, Samargandy Shaza, Madani), Faculty of Medicine, the Infection Control and Environmental Health Unit (Bahlas, Alawi, Al-Abdullah, Madani), the Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology (Aldigs, Alawi), Faculty of Medicine, the Department of Public Health (Al-Abdullah), College of Nursing, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the epidemiological characteristics, clinical impact, and adequacy of post-exposure management of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). Methods: Retrospective chart review of individuals reporting exposure to BBFs from 2007 to 2013 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Results: The total number of exposures reported was 326 exposures, of which 302 (92.6%) exposures were percutaneous, 21 (6.5%), mucocutaneous, and 3 (0.9%), bites. Nursing staff/students had the highest rate of exposure (149, or 45.6%), followed by physicians (57, or 17.5%). Surgeons were found to have a significantly higher risk for sharp injuries compared with other physicians (26.3%, or 15 exposures, p <0.005). Most (216, or 72.5%) percutaneous injuries were caused by hollow-bore needles. Majority of exposures (124, or 42.6%) occurred after using the needle/sharp item and before disposal. Two-thirds (219, or 67%) of exposed individuals were immune to hepatitis B at the time of exposure. With appropriate post-exposure management, none of exposed individuals seroconverted to HIV, hepatitis B or C virus infections. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to BBFs remains a concern among healthcare workers. Educational programs targeting high-risk groups entailing reinforcement of prevention and adherence to post-exposure management guidelines are needed.

Article Type

Research Article

First Page

783

Last Page

790

Recommended Citation

Samargandy, Shireen A.; Bukhari, Lujain M.; Samargandy, Shaza A.; Bahlas, Rawiah S.; Aldigs, Eman K.; Alawi, Maha M.; Al-Abdullah, Nabeela A.; and Madani, Tariq A. (2016) "Epidemiology and clinical consequences of occupational exposure to blood and other body fluids in a university hospital in Saudi Arabia," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 37: Iss. 7, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/smj.2016.7.14261