Factors associated with accidents involving biological material among health professionals.

INTRODUCTION

Accidents with biological material and cuting/piercing instruments among health professionals have led to increased rates of hospital infection and subsequent patient contamination.

OBJECTIVES

To compare factors associated with accidents involving biological material among health workers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted in 2019-2020, included 229 physicians and non-physicians.

RESULTS

The sample was 60.7% physicians and 39.3% non-physicians; 51.5% were women; 48.5% were aged ≥40 years; 55% lived with a partner; 57.6% had a specialist or graduate degree; and 51.5% had ≥ 1 child). he physician group had a higher education level, worked > 1 job, and had a high rate of accidents, in addition to lower rates of pre-employment examinations, specific accident training, and supervisor contact in case of accidents. There was also a positive association in the physician group between accidents, employment length, and operating room experience, while age was inversely correlated with accident risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Different worker categories had specific risk profiles that involved education level, employment length, a low notification level, and risk underestimation. The results showed that education level and employment length do not guarantee accidents prevention. Both the physician and non-physician groups had significant accident rates and a similar behavior profile when events occurred, including low notification rates and underestimating the risk involved in the accident.