Occupational exposure and protection among health care workers in China

Abstract:

ObjectiveTo understand the current situation of occupational exposure and protection among health care workers(HCWs), and provide evidence for formulating  preventive measures of occupational exposure. MethodsFrom April 6, 2016 to May 6, 2016,  questionnaire surveys were conducted in 158 different levels of hospitals in 13 provinces in China，occupational exposure, protection management, and monitoring of occupational exposure in the first year, 2010, and 2015 was surveyed by cluster random sampling method. ResultsOccupational exposure in 81.65%（129/158）of hospitals was responsible by healthcareassociated infection management departments;  98.73%（156/158） of hospitals set up the relevant rules and regulations; 77.22%（122/158） of  hospitals had missing report of occupational exposure. A total of 11 116 times of occupational exposure occurred (1 542 cases in the first year,  2 474 in 2010, and 7 100 in 2015). Of  various types of occupational exposure, sharp injury accounted for 96.76%; among HCWs  sustained occupational exposure, nursing staff accounted for 53.90%; the major department that HCWs who sustained occupational exposure were general wards, operating rooms, and intensive care units;  the main medical appliances related to occupational exposure were syringes, scalp needles, and surgical suture needles; highrisk behavior causing occupational exposure were intravenous injection, putting needles into the sharp containers, and  surgical suturing;  among occupational exposure sources,  HBV accounted for 58.69%. ConclusionHCWs in China face a high risk of occupational exposure, occurrence of occupational exposure should be reduced through government legislation, application of safety appliances, standardizing behavior of HCWs, proper using of personal protective equipment, strengthening education and training of HCWs, and establishing a sound occupational exposure report, evaluation and followup system.