Assessment of exposure to occupational hazards among University of Uyo Teaching Hospital health care waste handlers

Abstract

Objective: Healthcare waste handlers play a vital role in medical waste management but face a high risk of exposure to hazardous materials and occupational injuries. This study assessed the extent of exposure to occupational hazards among healthcare waste handlers at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 53 healthcare waste handlers selected using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed using STATA 16.0 at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 31.6 ± 11.3 years. The prevalence of sharps injuries was 43.4%, with 24.5% occurring in the last six months. Only 18.9% reported these injuries, and 78.3% self-sponsored treatment. The diseases most commonly perceived to be associated with waste handling were HIV/AIDS (81.1%), diarrhoea (67.9%), malaria (66.0%), typhoid (62.3%), and cholera (60.4%). Recognition of Hepatitis B (49.1%) and C (45.3%) was lower. Most (77.3%) had never been screened, and only 13.2% received vaccination for the Hepatitis B virus. The most frequent exposures were to blood and body fluids (69.8%) and sharps (37.7%). While 94.2% practised good hand hygiene, PPE use varied. Face masks were the most used (96.2%) and goggles the least (13.2%). Training on infection prevention significantly predicted PPE use (AOR = 3.87; p = 0.040).

Conclusion: Despite awareness of workplace hazards, exposure and injury rates remain high. Regular training, free health screenings, and improved access to protective equipment are crucial for safeguarding healthcare waste handlers.