Research title -Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids and associated factorsamong health care workers in Gondar town, north west Gondar, Ethiopia, 2017.

Abstract

Abstract Background Health care professionals (HCWs) are at high risk of contracting blood-borne infections due to their occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs). The incidences of these infections among HCWs are higher in low income countries such as Ethiopia. The aim of the study was to assess the extent of occupational exposure to BBFs and its associated factors among HCWs in Gondar town, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 21 up to April 14. Two hundred eighty six study participants were included in the study using a stratified simple random sampling technique. The data was collected using a pre-tested structured self administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify the factors related to exposure to BBFs. Objective- to assess the prevalence of occupational exposure to BBFs and associated factors among HCWS in Gondar town health care institution. Results A total of 241 (87%) study participants had been exposed to BBFs in their lifetime. In the past year, 181 (65.3%) participants had been exposed to BBFs and 141(50.9%) of participants had been exposed to BBFs in the past 6 months. In bivariate logistic regression analysis those HCWs who had chewing chat occasionally 11.065 (AOR 11.065, 95% CI1.480-82.739) and times more likely to be occupationally exposed to BBFs than those who had not chewing chat.