Infection Risk Perception, Reporting and Post-Exposure Management of Occupational Injuries Among Healthcare Workers in District Hospitals (Yaoundé, Cameroon)

Background The risk of infection among healthcare workers (HCW) is a looming public health problem worldwide. Developing countries are most affected. The present study aimed to identify knowledge gaps, risk perceptions, reporting patterns, and post-exposure management, following needle stick and sharp injuries and contact with other body fluids HCW. Methods A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out from January to April 2022 in six District Hospitals in Yaoundé. An auto-administered questionnaire was addressed to consenting HCW. Data were analyzed using R statistic version 4.2.3 and p -value<5% was considered significant. Results Out of the 217 HCWs that were enrolled, some 10% were unaware of sources of exposure to blood and other body fluids (BBF). Respondents displayed insufficient awareness (74-94%) of the main infectious agents that are likely to be transmitted during an accidental exposure to body fluids (AEB). Some HCWs (6,9%) reported a lack of knowledge of the vaccine against Viral Hepatitis B (VHB). Almost half of participants did not know the appropriate recommended action for post-exposure case management (42.9%). Most HCW who had experienced exposure (53.7 %) reported that they did not receive any post-exposure care. Such exposure was often (56.4%) not reported. There was a horizontal variation in underreporting for the same level of healthcare facilities, as it was higher in the Efoulan (OR=3.33) and Nkolndongo (OR=5) District Hospitals. Reasons explaining AEB underreporting were underestimation of vulnerability (51 %) and lack of unawareness of existing post-exposure prophylaxis procedures (42%). Conclusion While most HCW are aware of the risk of infection associated with exposure to blood and body fluids, reporting was low. Continued educational activities on the risk of infections associated to AEB is warranted. There is a need to implement and scale up structural facilities to enforce measures to prevent exposure, report cases of accidental exposure, ensure post-exposure prophylaxis and counselling.