Occupational Injuries among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: The Case of Ho Teaching Hospital           

Occupational Injuries among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: The Case of Ho Teaching Hospital | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 23 October 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Occupational Injuries among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: The Case of Ho Teaching Hospital Authors : Vincent Edinam Kofi Assor 0009-0003-8368-729X [email protected] , Bismark Senyo Donkor , Emmanuel Kwame Attiah , and Peter Agyei-Baffour Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.176124823.38051668/v1 309 views 99 downloads Contents Abstract 3. Results 3.2 Prevalence of Occupational Injuries among Socio-Demographic Characters 4. Discussion 5. Conclusions References Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Background : Occupational injuries remain a significant public health issue in healthcare delivery, especially in low- and middle-income settings. There have been global initiatives to increase safety in healthcare, decrease injuries to healthcare workers, and enhance healthcare quality. This research examines the prevalence of occupational injuries among healthcare workers at the Ho Teaching Hospital. Method : A cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 healthcare workers at Ho Teaching Hospital, Ghana, using a structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using STATA 17.0. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were applied to determine associations at a 95% confidence level. Results : Out of 337 healthcare workers, a prevalence of 27.9% was recorded over 12 months. Significant predictors of injury included work-related stress (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.15–3.19), movement of heavy objects (AOR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.04–2.86), and lack of safety training (AOR = 2.14; 95% CI 1.29–3.54). These findings underscore the need for targeted stress-management and ergonomic interventions among Ghanaian healthcare workers. Conclusion : This study shows occupational injuries remain prevalent, driven by stress, manual handling, and inadequate training. Strengthening ergonomic practices, continuous safety educa-tion, and leadership engagement can significantly reduce injury risks. 3. Results From Table 1, a total of 337 healthcare workers participated in the study. Most (77.15%) of the respondents were in the age group 25-34 years, with the mean age 27.79 and a standard deviation of 4.1(SD=4.1). More than half (58.75%) of the respondents were females. Nurses made up most of the respondents (42.73%), and the least of the respondents were pharmacists (2.97%). Respondents with bachelor’s degrees, 206(61.13%), dominated this study respondents while the least, 39 (11.57%), held a master’s degree. Characteristics Frequency(N=337) Percentage (%) Age Less than 25 years 48 14.24 25-34 years 260 77.15 35 years. and above 29 8.61 Mean age (SD) 27.79(4.1) Gender Male 139 41.25 Female 198 58.75 Marital Status Single 266 78.93 Married 71 21.07 Profession Lab scientist 20 5.93 Midwife 81 24.04 Nurse 144 42.73 Non-clinicians 35 10.39 Pharmacist 10 2.97 Physician 47 13.95 Educational Level Certificate 42 12.46 Diploma 50 14.84 1 ST Degree 206 61.13 Masters 39 11.57 3.2 Prevalence of Occupational Injuries among Socio-Demographic Characters From Table 2, an overall prevalence of 27.89% was obtained, with the highest prevalence of occupational injuries among female respondents (68.83%). Prevalence among age groups was also highest (82.98%) among respondents within the 25–34-year age group. Although most respondents had 1 st Degree qualifications, it also recorded the highest prevalence of 53.19%. In terms of professions, the prevalence of occupational injuries was highest among nurses (42.55%), with the lowest prevalence being recorded among pharmacists. Socio-Demographic Characteristics Frequency(N=94) Percentage (%) Are you currently experiencing/or experienced any work-related injury in the last 12 months Yes 94 27.89 No 243 72.11 Prevalence by Gender Male 34 36.17 Female 60 63.83 Prevalence Among Age Groups Less Than 25yrs 9 9.57 25-34 Yrs 78 82.98 35 yrs and above 7 7.45 Prevalence by Educational Level Diploma 1st Degree Master's Certificate 20 50 15 9 21.28 53.19 15.96 9.57 Prevalence Among Profession Lab Scientist Midwife Nurse Public Health and Other Non-Clinicians Pharmacist Physician 10 17 40 5 4 18 10.64 18.09 42.55 5.32 4.26 19.15 From Table 3, 96.44% of the respondents indicated that the process of disposing of sharps was a major cause of occupational injuries. There was a divided opinion, however, as half of the respondents (50.15%) indicated that moving heavy objects and patients was not a cause of occupational injuries. As indicated by respondents, the most common type of injury or illness that they or their colleagues often experienced at the workplace was needle stick injuries (46.29%) and fracture/musculoskeletal injuries (16.32%). Although the most 66(70.21%) of the respondents who had had an injury over the past 12 months indicated that they were able to afford the cost of managing the injuries. Lastly, for the impact of occupational injuries on service delivery, most (55.49%) respondents agreed that occupational injuries often led to low or reduced productivity, with others indicating fear of re-injury, emotional distress, job insecurity, physical limitations and retarded career growth as some impacts of occupational injuries on service delivery. Table 3. Causes and Consequences of Occupational Injuries Variable Frequency(N=337) Percentage (%) Proper Disposal of Sharps No 12 3.56 Yes 325 96.44 Move Heavy Objects, Including Patients No 169 50.15 Yes 168 49.85 Stressed At Work Yes 189 56.08 No 148 43.92 Most Common Type of Injury/Illness You / Your Colleagues Often Experience at The Workplace Fracture/Musculoskeletal Injuries 55 16.32 Needlestick Injuries 156 46.29 Cuts/Bruises/Burns 55 16.32 Slip/Trips/Falls 30 8.90 Violence-Related Injuries 7 2.08 Sexually Transmitted Diseases (HIV) 7 2.08 Emotional Stress 13 3.86 Others 14 4.15 Injury Cost Affordability Yes 66 70.21 No 28 29.79 Impact Of Occupational Injuries on Service Delivery Emotional Distress 23 6.82 Fear Of Re-Injury 40 11.87 Impact On Career Growth 15 4.45 Loss Of Job Security 10 2.97 Physical Limitations 62 18.40 Reduced Productivity 187 55.49 Received Occupational Health and Safety Training No 131 38.87 Yes 206 61.13 3.4 Univariable and Multivariable Analysis of Correlates of Occupational Injuries among Health Workers Table 4 indicates the statistical relationship between the independent variables and occupational injuries among healthcare workers in this study. From the table, there was a statistically significant relationship between work stress (χ2=6.0639, p=0.002), movement of heavy objects, including patients (χ2=5.3421, p=0.003), and respondents’ educational level (χ2=4.2141, p=0.036) and occupational injuries. From the univariate logistic regression, respondents with certificate qualification were 3 times more likely (95% CI: 1.48-5.90, p = 0.002), diploma holders were 2 times more likely (95% CI: 1.24-4.59, p = 0.009) to experience occupational injuries relative to those who were 1st-degree holders. Master’s degree qualification respondents had equivalent same odds of experiencing occupational injuries as first-degree holders. In addition, respondents who were stressed at work were 2 times more likely (95% CI: 1.15-3.11, p = 0.012) to experience occupational hazards relative to those respondents who recorded no for being stressed at work. Furthermore, respondents who often moved heavy objects, including patients, were also twice as likely (95% CI: 1.04-2.86, p = 0.035) to experience occupational injuries compared to those who didn’t. Controlling for confounding variables, the adjusted odds ratio shows a correlation between work stress and occupational injury, as stressed respondents were again 2 times more likely (95% CI: 1.15-3.19, p = 0.013) to experience injury relative to those not stressed. Likewise, respondents who moved heavy objects, including patients, were again 2 times more likely (95% CI: 1.04-2.86, p = 0.035) to experience injury than those who didn’t. Respondents who hadn’t received any occupational health and safety training were 2 times more likely (95% CI: 1.29-3.54, p = 0.003) to experience injury at the workplace as compared to those who received occupational health and safety training. Overall, occupational injuries were independently associated with stress at work, manual handling, and inadequate safety training. These findings suggest that both organisational and behavioural factors play significant roles in determining workplace safety outcomes in hospital environments. Below is a tabular representation. Variable χ2 (p-value) Crude Odds Ratio OR (95% CI) p-value Adjusted Odds Ratio AOR (95% CI) p-value Age 7.3452 (0.065) Less Than 25yrs 1 - 25-34 Yrs 1.86(0.86 - 4.02)0.12 - 35 years and above 1.38(0.45-4.22)0.570 - Gender 2.6502 (0.055) Male 1 - Female 1.34(0.82-2.19)0.241 - Profession 5.0845 (0.057) Lab Scientist 6(1.65-21.80)0.006 - Midwife 3.53(1.24-10.07)0.018 - Nurse 1.93(0.695-0.35)0.208 - Public Health and Other Non-Clinicians 1 - Pharmacist 4(0.82-19.42)0.086 - Physician 1.62(0.50-5.26)0.421 - Educational Level 4.2141 (0.036) Certificate 2.96(1.48-5.90)0.002 - Diploma 2.39(1.24-4.59)0.009 - 1st Degree 1 - Masters 1.23(0.56-2.72)0.063 - Stressed At Work 6.0639 (0.002) Yes 1.89(1.15-3.11)0.012 1.91(1.15-3.19)0.013 No 1 1 Moving Heavy Objects Including Patients 5.3421 (0.003) Yes 1.75(1.07-2.86)0.027 1.72(1.04-2.86)0.035 No 1 1 Received Occupational Health and Safety Training 13.2344 (0.001) Yes 1 1 No 2.26(1.38-3.71)0.001 2.14(1.29-3.54)0.003 4. Discussion The current study sought to assess the prevalence of occupational injuries among healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. To assess the prevalence of occupational injuries in the current study, respondents were asked whether they were currently experiencing and/or had experienced any work-related injury in the last 12 months. 94 out of the 337 respondents in-dicated that they were experiencing or had experienced a work-related injury over the past 12 months. The current study found that the prevalence of suffering an occupational injury during the twelve months was around 27.9%. This finding is consistent with the results of Appiagyei et al. (2021) and Kasatpibal et al. (2016), whose research found that the prevalence rate for experiencing at least one injury during twelve months was 29.3% and 23.7% for the prevalence of needlestick injuries over twelve months, respectively [8] [11]. However, ac-cording to the findings of Tawiah et al. (2022), the incidence of injuries caused by sharp in-struments over one year varied from 7.9% in the Volta Region to 53.7% in the Greater Accra Region [12]. At the same time, it was found in the same review that the prevalence of needle-stick injuries over twelve months varied from 14.0% in the Volta Region to 66.0% in the Northern Regions of Ghana. These numbers provide more evidence that needlestick injuries and injuries caused by other sharp objects are quite common in the healthcare industry. The present study unveiled a correlation between injuries and occupational health and safety training, work-related stress, the handling of weighty objects and patients, and transporting heavy ob-jects. This finding is consistent with the research conducted by Nuarko (2022), which found an association between workplace tension and an increased risk of occupational injury [13]. An additional investigation documented that the healthcare field is rife with occupational dangers, with stress and burnout, extended periods of standing by nurses during duty, lifting patients and other heavy equipment, an excessive workload, and inadequate use of protective devices, among other contributing factors [14]. Consistent with the results of the present investigation are the findings of Tsegaye et al. (2023), whose cross-sectional study demonstrated that training reduced the incidence of needlestick injuries during most high-risk procedures, including blood sampling [15]. This present study on occupational injuries among healthcare workers at the Ho Teaching Hospital shows the need for policy change, such as promoting a safety culture, in-creased staff training and smooth reporting processes are required to help create a safe working environment. These suggestions at the end of the day lower the risk of occupational injuries among healthcare workers across. The present findings align with earlier Ghanaian studies that identified manual handling, inadequate safety training, and work stress as key predictors of occupational injury among healthcare professionals [8][16]. These consistent trends reaffirm the need for stronger institutional safety cultures and targeted interventions tailored to Ghana’s healthcare context. The goal of policy ramifications is to create a safer work environment for health professionals. 4.1 Limitations: This study was limited by its cross-sectional design, which prevents establishing causal rela-tionships between exposure and outcome. Self-reporting may also have introduced recall or social desirability bias. Nonetheless, the large sample size and use of validated analytical methods strengthen the reliability of findings. 5. Conclusions This study investigated the prevalence and contributing factors of occupational injuries among healthcare workers at Ho Teaching Hospital, with findings indicating a 27.9% injury rate over 12 months, most commonly due to sharp objects. There was a strong association between oc-cupational injuries and factors such as inadequate safety training, work-related stress, and the manual handling of patients and heavy equipment. These results underscore the urgent need for institutional policy reforms aimed at promoting a safety culture, expanding staff training pro-grams, and streamlining reporting systems. Implementing these recommendations will be es-sential to creating a safer work environment and reducing the burden of occupational injuries in the healthcare sector. Future implementation of periodic safety audits and staff feedback systems could ensure the sustainability of these interventions across Ghanaian healthcare fa-cilities. 5.1 Policy Implications: Findings emphasise the need for institutional reforms promoting a proactive safety culture. Management at tertiary hospitals should invest in continuous professional development on occupational safety, implement ergonomic redesigns of high-risk departments, and encourage transparent reporting systems. 5.2 Future Research: Longitudinal studies across multiple facilities are recommended to assess trends and evaluate the effectiveness of training and policy interventions. References 1. World Health Organisation. (2022). Caring for those who care: guide for the development and implementation of occupational health and safety programmes for health workers. 2. Politis, P., Leotsinidis, M., Jelastopulu, E., & Tatani, I. (2025). Occupational Injuries in Greece: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Cureus, 17(1). 3. Cohn, J. B., & Wardlaw, M. (2024). The decline of US workplace injuries, improvements in safety, and changes in occupational composition. Available at SSRN. 4. Takougang, I., Lekeumo Cheuyem, F. Z., Ze, B. R. S., Tsamoh, F. F., & Moneboulou, H. M. (2024). Awareness of standard precautions, circumstances of occurrence and man-agement of occupational exposures to body fluids among healthcare workers in a regional level referral hospital (Bertoua, Cameroon). BMC Health Services Research, 24(1), 424. 5. Abdo Almoliky, M., Elzilal, H. A., Alzahrani, E., Abo-Dief, H. M., Saleh, K. A., Alkubati, S. A., ... & Sultan, M. A. (2024). Prevalence and associated factors of needle stick and sharp injuries among nurses: a cross-sectional study. SAGE Open Medicine, 12, 20503121231221445. 6. Webb, E. L., Morris, D. J., Sadler, E., MacMillan, S., Trowell, S., & Legister, A. (2024). Predictors of moral injury in secure mental healthcare workers: Examining a role for vio-lence and restrictive practices through an intersectional lens. Journal of forensic psychology research and practice, 24(4), 415-433. 7. Ruby, S. A., Wine, B., Blackman, A. L., & DiGennaro Reed, F. (2024). An initial evalu-ation of staff injuries in human service organisations. Behavioral Interventions, 39(1), e1976. 8. Appiagyei, H., Nakua, E. K., Donkor, P., & Mock, C. (2021). Occupational injuries among health care workers at a public hospital in Ghana. Pan African medical journal, 39(1). 9. Opoku, S. Y., Yeboah, C., Ampon-Wireko, S., & Hinneh, R. K. (2023). Occupational Health and Safety Hazards Experienced by Healthcare Workers at Two Hospitals in Suyani, Bono Region, Ghana. Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine, 11(2), 122-136. 10. Prah, J., Aggrey, E., Andreas, K., Abdulai, M., Banson, C., Addo-Yeboa, B., & Arhin, S. (2024). Assessment of Occupational Risks and Health Hazards among Healthcare Workers in A Ghanaian Hospital. Unnes Journal of Public Health, 13(2), 36-49 11. Kasatpibal, N., Whitney, J. D., Katechanok, S., Ngamsakulrat, S., Malairungsakul, B., Sirikulsathean, P., ... & Muangnart, T. (2016). Prevalence and risk factors of needlestick injuries, sharps injuries, and blood and body fluid exposures among operating room nurses in Thailand. American journal of infection control, 44(1), 85-90. 12. Tawiah, P.A., Baffour-Awuah, A., Appiah-Brempong, E. and Afriyie-Gyawu, E., 2022. Identifying occupational health hazards among healthcare providers and ancillary staff in Ghana: a scoping review protocol. BMJ open, 12(1), p.e058048. 13. Nuarko, J. K. (2022). Determinants of Occupational Injuries Among Workers At The University of Ghana Health Services (Doctoral dissertation, University of Ghana). 14. Poku, C. A., Ahulu, A. A., Otomo, J., Hagan, D., Dwumfour, C. K., Issifu, J. S., & Dzomeku, V. (2025). Occupational injuries, mental workload and coping strategies among the nursing workforce in the Eastern Region of Ghana: a multi-centre study. BMC nursing, 24(1), 78. 15. Tsegaye Amlak, B., Tesfa, S., Tesfamichael, B., Abebe, H., Zewudie, B. T., Mewahegn, A. A., ... & Solomon, M. (2023). Needlestick and sharp injuries and their associated factors among healthcare workers in Southern Ethiopia. SAGE Open Medicine, 11, 20503121221149536 16. Awini, A. B., Opoku, D. A., Ayisi-Boateng, N. K., Osarfo, J., Sulemana, A., Yankson, I. K., Osei-Ampofo, M., Zackaria, A. N., & Newton, S. (2023). Prevalence and determinants of occupational injuries among emergency medical technicians in Northern Ghana. PloS one, 18(4), e0284943. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284943 Author Contributions: VEKA designed the study with advice, proofreading, and guidance from PA and EKA. VEA and BSD conducted the research, data cleaning, coding, and analysis. VEA and BSD drafted the original manuscript, and PA edited the manuscript. All authors contributed to revisions and approved the final manuscript. Funding: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. Institutional Review Board Statement: This study was approved by the Committee on Human Research Publication and Ethics (CHRPE) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with approval number CHRPE/AP/1000/23 on 06 November 2023. Permission was also sought from the director of the Ho Teaching Hospital before conducting this study. Informed Consent Statement: Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. Data Availability Statement: Data are available upon reasonable request. Acknowledgements: Special thanks to the Staff and the Director, and the unit heads of the hospital. We also thank all participants included in the study for their valuable time and for giving us information. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 23 October 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Keyword occupational injuries; healthcare; occupational safety; needlestick Authors Affiliations Vincent Edinam Kofi Assor 0009-0003-8368-729X [email protected] View all articles by this author Bismark Senyo Donkor View all articles by this author Emmanuel Kwame Attiah View all articles by this author Peter Agyei-Baffour View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 309 views 99 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Vincent Edinam Kofi Assor, Bismark Senyo Donkor, Emmanuel Kwame Attiah, et al. Occupational Injuries among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana: The Case of Ho Teaching Hospital . Authorea . 23 October 2025. 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