[Underestimation of exposure incidence rates in Polish health workers: a prospective study].

BACKGROUND

Analyses of exposure rates among health care workers comprise both risk and epidemiology of blood borne pathogenic factors. In Poland, a possible extent of underestimation of such incidents has not yet been widely studied in the population of this group of employees. The aim of the study was to observe a group of population chosen as an example to assess the actual exposure incidence rates, especially those not subjected to registration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective six-month survey covered 319 Lower Silesia health care workers: physicians, nurses and auxiliary staff. Statistical methods were used to analyze the obtained data, especially those concerning the job performance, the number of medical procedures performed and frequency of exposures, both registered in each case and not registered in the post-exposure prophylaxis log.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Finally, 269 persons were under observation. Actual exposure incidence rate was several fold higher than that officially registered and differed depending on the department and subgroup of health care workers. In summary, the ratio of all the registered cases to those not registered was 1: 6. An overall proportion of not registered cases of exposure was as high as 86%. Most frequent job activities of exposed health care workers comprised preparatory procedures like parenteral drug administration or injections. Post-procedure activities were less frequently the cause of exposure. Non-registration of such exposures were motivated by a self-assessment of a low infection risk or a conviction that self-protection on the incidence site was optimal. Lack of current knowledge was rather rarely admitted as a reason for underreporting.