Epidemiology of occupational exposure to needlestick and body fluids among doctors and medical students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Background: Health care workers occupationally are exposed to blood and other body fluids which might increase their risk of acquiring blood-borne pathogens and psychological stress. The aim of the present study was to determine the lifetime occupational exposure to needlestick injuries and body fluids among doctors and medical students in Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (2009). Materials and methods: In this descriptive study, 100 doctors and medical students were asked to complete a valid and reliable self-reporting questionnaire regarding their lifetime occupational exposure to needlestick and body fluids. Data were analysed using SPSS. T-test and Chi-square test were used to compare the groups. Results: The results highlighted that 57 (60%) of the respondents had at least one lifetime occupational exposure to needlestick and 45 persons (48.4%) had exposure to body fluids. However, only in 30 (31.5%) cases the event was reported to the appropriate authorities. The highest number of needlestick injuries occurred within the emergency departments (n=29, 51%), during nightshift (n=29, 51%), and with suture needle (n=37, 65%). Conclusion: Occupational exposures to needlestick and body fluids among doctors and medical students in our study have occurred with a relatively high lifetime incidence. Improving medical attentions might have positive effects on decreasing the incidence and prevalence of these constant occupational threats.