[Assessment of occupational exposure to HBV, HCV and HIV in gynecologic and obstetric staff].

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to assess the occupational risk for hepatitis B, C and HIV in gynecologic and obstetric staff in the context of the number of sharps injuries, HBV immunization coverage, compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE) use and reporting of exposures.

METHODS

A voluntary anonymous survey was carried out between January-June 2009 in 15 ran domly selected hospitals in West Pomerania, Poland.

RESULTS

There were 110 participants (response rate 72%), 88.2% females, 11.8 males (aged 21-60 years; mean, 42 years); 80.9% nurses, 19.1% doctors. Among those 60.9% reported at least one sharps injury in the preceding year (Me = 1, range 1-12), 43.6% worked at least once a year with a recent abrasion or cut on their hands. The respondents reported the most recent injuries being caused by a hollow-bore needle (54.4%), a suture needle (26.5%), and an instrument (19.1%); 82.5% of such incidents went unreported. Compliance with PPE use was high for glove use (92.7%), much lower for protective eyewear (28.7%). Except one participant who reported acute symptomatic hepatitis B in the past (possibly due to previous surgery), all participants reported being immunized with HBV vaccine: 46.8%--took three doses, 48.6%-- a booster and 4.6% ended the regimen on two doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent sharps injuries, mostly unreported, work with unprotected recent abrasion or hands' cuts and lack of compliance with PPE use are important risk factors contributing to occupational HBV, HCV and HIV infections among gynecologic and obstetric staff. The risk of HBV infection has been significantly reduced by a complete immunization coverage observed among participants.