Risks of accidents involving biological material in Primary Care: analysis of the state of São Paulo (2020-2024).

Abstract

Introduction: Work accidents due to exposure to biomaterials represent a common risk in the routine of primary health care professionals, due to insufficient training and partial adherence to biosafety standards.

Objectives: To identify, between 2020 and 2024, the risk factors associated with work accidents involving exposure to biological material in Primary Health Care and Family Health Strategy professionals in the state of São Paulo.

Methods: Ecological study based on data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System database, including Primary Health Care professionals. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Results: A total of 289 cases were reported, with white women between 35 and 49 years old predominating. Community health agents and nursing technicians had the highest number of notifications. Dental procedures were the main circumstance of accidents. Most were vaccinated against hepatitis B and tested negative for hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus.

Conclusions: Work accidents due to exposure to biomaterial have a defined epidemiological profile, which facilitates the implementation of targeted measures, especially for the most vulnerable group - community health agents - aimed at improving professional training, reinforcing safe practices, and strengthening preventive strategies.