Prevalence and Epidemiological Profile of Accidents with Exposure to Blood Among Health Professionals in Two Hospitals in the North of Togo

Accidents with exposure to blood (AEBs) remain a reality in healthcare settings and are, by their frequency, a major concern for health professionals. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of AEBs history, to identify the types, circumstances and mechanisms of occurrence and to describe the practices of health professionals with respect to AEBs. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a period of two (02) months (September-October 2018) in two hospitals, the Kara’s teaching hospital and Kara’s regional hospital, both located in the north, 418 kilometers from Lome, economic capital of Togo. The study population was represented by health professionals practicing in the district pediatrics, surgery, gynecology-obstetrics, emergencies and laboratories of the said centers. Were included in the study health professionals presents and available in the above-mentioned services at the time of the survey. Hospital staff not directly involved in patient care (administrative, mortuary staff, vigils, pharmacy salesmen) were excluded from the study. This research was a descriptive-analytical technique using interviews and questionnaires anonymized and adapted in such a way that it meets our objectives. Methods of data analysis were made using the Sphinx V5 software version 5.1.0.2. The Chi-square statistical test was used to compare the proportions with a significance threshold of 5%. The prevalence of AEBs was estimated at 67.6%. The results show that AEBs were frequent among men compared to women (72.7% vs 58.3%), without significant difference. Age, occupational qualification and seniority in the medical profession were significantly associated to AEBs. The most common mechanism of occurrence was the skin break (89.1%). The equipment or sharp objects handled at the time of the accident were a hollow needle (58.8%), and the most incriminated body fluid was blood (71.7%). AEBs are a reality in health care in Togo with a very high prevalence and concern daily all socio-professional categories especially the nurses and the midwives during the care tasks. Exposure is roughly daily, however, the amount of vaccination coverage in these two hospitals is low. In addition, for health care workers to some dangerous actions, such as disposal of used needles, lack of attention to wearing PPE will be accepted in certain circumstances without risk, it is observed.