1
|
Risk factors for sharps injuries and the prevalence of blood borne infections among paramedics. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Although paramedics constitute a group of medical professionals continually at risk for sharps injuries (SI), possibly resulting in occupationally acquired bloodborne infections (BBI), data on blood exposures in this group are rather scant.
Objectives
To assess the incidence and selected risk factors for SI and to estimate the prevalence of BBI among paramedics.
Methods
An anonymous cross-sectional serosurvey, with ELISA system used to detect anti-HBc/anti-HCV/anti-HIV, was conducted among paramedics from 10 randomly selected ambulance stations in West Pomerania, Poland, between December 2018-October 2019. Knowledge about infection-control procedures was assessed with the use of 10 multiple choice questions.
Results
Response rate: 93%. Among 286 participants (76.5% males, Me age 37 years, Me length of practice 14 years) 19.6% sustained ≥ 1 SI in the preceding year (Me = 6.0, range 1-100); 50.8% of incidents were not reported. Regarding the most recent SI - the most often it took place in an ambulance (45.9%), during an emergency procedure (76.3%) and was caused by a hollow-bore needle (60.7%); in 66.1% of cases the device did not have a safety feature. Risk factors for SI were as follows: 52.6% paramedics did not use safety engineered devices at work, 52.2% reported recapping a needle in the preceding year, 5.5% irregularly used gloves; 3.4% had never participated in infection control training. The mean knowledge score was 2.6. The lack of infection control training was associated with higher odds (OR 4.64) of a SI. HBV vaccination coverage was 95.6%. Anti-HBc were found in 7.3% participants, no anti-HCV/anti-HIV positive paramedics were recognized.
Conclusions
Frequent SI, about half of those unreported, are important risk factors which could contribute to occupational HBV infections reported among paramedics. The risk of SI could be reduced by supply with safety engineered devices, safe work practices and an adequate training in infection-control procedures.
Key messages
Most risk factors for sharps injuries among Polish paramedics are modifiable. Continuous exposure to sharps injuries should be taken into account while assessing paramedics’ risk for acquiring an occupational blood-borne infection.
Collapse
|
2
|
Coverage and influencing determinants of influenza vaccination in elderly patients in Poland. Eur J Public Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx187.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
3
|
HBV Vaccination uptake at Family Medicine Clinics in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Sero-Survey. Int J Epidemiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyv096.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
4
|
P1-158 Polish surgical staff and post-vaccination testing to document immunity after hbv vaccination: a cross-sectional serosurvey. Br J Soc Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976d.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
5
|
P1-428 Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis c virus infection among polish nurses and midwives. Br J Soc Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1136/jech.2011.142976g.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
6
|
The comparison of the frequency and nature of sharps injuries reported by doctors versus nurses from surgical wards in the context of the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV: a cross-sectional sero-survey. Inj Prev 2010. [DOI: 10.1136/ip.2010.029215.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
|