Current status and high-risk factors of blood-borne occupational exposure among midwives in China: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

To identify the problems and high-risk factors of blood-borne occupational exposure among midwives in China.

METHODS

Midwives from the obstetrics department and delivery room of hospitals in institutions. The self-compiled questionnaire on the current status of blood-borne occupational exposure of Chinese midwives was used for data collection.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of blood-borne occupational exposure was 46.77%. The independent risk factors were working years ≤5 years (P = .001), unable to take standard prevention at work (P = .000), unaware of human immunodeficiency virus treatment procedures (P = .000), and average daily working hours of 8 hours (P = .002), the high risk of blood-borne occupational exposure at work (P = .000), and contact with patient fluids, blood without gloves (P = .000).

DISCUSSION

Midwives are at high risk of blood-borne occupational exposure, and midwives with ≤5 years of service are the focus group. Failure to achieve standard prevention, the length of working hours and the ignorance of the treatment process of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome have a certain impact on the occurrence of blood-borne occupational exposure.

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to focus on cultivating high-level midwifery talents to overcome the shortage of midwives and rationally use midwifery resources, as well as to strengthen standard prevention and improve the occupational protection and guarantee system for midwives.