Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
American Journal of Infection Control, cilt.33, sa.1, ss.48-52, 2005 (SCI-Expanded)
Background: The risk of occupational acquisition of bloodborne pathogens via exposure to blood and body fluids is a serious problem for health care workers in Turkey. Because there are no systematic recording programs in Turkey, national data concerning frequency of exposures are not readily available. Objective: To determine the risk factors of exposure to blood and body fluids among health care workers (HCWs). Methods: This study was conducted in the hospitals of Ankara University School of Medicine. A structured survey form was administered by person-to-person interview. Results: The study included 988 HCWs: 500 nurses (51%), 212 residents (21%), 152 nurse assistants (15%), and others (13%). Six hundred thirty-four (64%) of the HCWs had been exposed to blood and body fluids at least once in their professional life (0.85 exposure per person-year). The most frequent cause of the sharps injuries was recapping the needle (45%). Of the injured HCWs, 60 (28%) were not using any personal protective equipment, and 144 (67%) did not seek any medical advice for injury. Conclusions: Systematic control measures, including an effective and goal-oriented education program targeting HCWs, prospective record keeping, and instillation of a special unit for the health of HCWs should be implemented in the hospital setting. Copyright © 2005 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc.