Occupational exposure, knowledge of standard precautions and behavior among health workers in Southern Nigeria

Results 57.7% of respondents were aware of the term Standard Precautions (SPs) overall. Doctors (94.4%) and nurses (84.2%) had the highest levels of awareness compared to 3.0% of health assistants. There was a significant relationship between the respondents’ level of education and a correct knowledge of SPs. (Fisher’s Exact= 125.745, df = 4, p = 0.000) and duration of employment was not significantly associated with the awareness of SPs. (x2 = 5.676, df =3, p =0.128). Life time risks of needle stick (39.8%; 95% CI 36.4-44.6%) and sharps injuries (25.7%; 95% CI 21.8-29.6%) were high. 77 .8% washed their hands at the close of work. Over half (56.6%) always used gloves and two-thirds (62.3%) had never worn goggles during contact with blood and body fluids. Only 46.2% of HCWs reported washing their hands before each patient contact. Overall compliance with non-recapping of used needles was generally poor (14.6%) and about half (48.1%) of the respondents recapped used needles before disposal. The one year prevalence of needle stick and sharps injury were 29.3% (95% CI 26.7-32.8%) and 22.9% (95% CI 19.8-25.2%) respectively.