Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and factors associated with post-exposure prophylaxis management among healthcare workers at the lekma hospital
1
Public Health and Research Unit, LEKMA Hospital, Accra, Ghana
2
Outpatient Department, LEKMA Hospital, Accra, Ghana
3
Antiretroviral Therapy ((ART) Unit, LEKMA Hospital, Accra, Ghana
4
Paediatrics Department, LEKMA Hospital, Accra, Ghana
5
Community Health Department, Korlebu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens – Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health risk for healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana, where safety practices and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) adherence are often inadequate. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of exposures to blood-borne pathogens and factors associated with post-exposure management among healthcare workers at the lekma hospital.
METHODS:
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) Hospital with 188 HCWs. Data was analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and a modified Poisson regression model in Stata version 17 to identify factors associated with exposure and PEP adherence. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS:
Overall, 32.5% of HCWs had experienced occupational exposure (needlestick or splash). Prevalence of exposure to specific pathogens was 24.5% for HIV, 14.4% for HBV, and 9.6% for HCV. Significant risk factors included: 6–10 years of work experience (2.4 times higher risk vs. 1–5 years), working the afternoon shift (1.6 times higher risk vs. morning shift), and being a nurse (2.5 times higher risk vs. laboratory scientist). Average knowledge of prevention and PEP protocols was moderate (62.1% average score), but adherence after exposure was suboptimal (64.2% average). While 80% washed the exposure site, only 49.2% reported incidents promptly, 69.5% received PEP, and just 60% completed follow-up serology testing.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study confirms a high burden of bloodborne pathogen exposure among HCWs at lekma hospital, linked to occupational factors like experience, shift, and role. Despite moderate knowledge, critical gaps persist in incident reporting and completion of PEP and follow-up testing. These findings underscore an urgent need for reinforced, targeted training and stricter enforcement of safety and post-exposure management protocols to protect healthcare workers.
Occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens – Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health risk for healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ghana, where safety practices and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) adherence are often inadequate. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of exposures to blood-borne pathogens and factors associated with post-exposure management among healthcare workers at the lekma hospital.
METHODS:
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Ledzokuku Krowor Municipal Assembly (LEKMA) Hospital with 188 HCWs. Data was analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact tests, and a modified Poisson regression model in Stata version 17 to identify factors associated with exposure and PEP adherence. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
RESULTS:
Overall, 32.5% of HCWs had experienced occupational exposure (needlestick or splash). Prevalence of exposure to specific pathogens was 24.5% for HIV, 14.4% for HBV, and 9.6% for HCV. Significant risk factors included: 6–10 years of work experience (2.4 times higher risk vs. 1–5 years), working the afternoon shift (1.6 times higher risk vs. morning shift), and being a nurse (2.5 times higher risk vs. laboratory scientist). Average knowledge of prevention and PEP protocols was moderate (62.1% average score), but adherence after exposure was suboptimal (64.2% average). While 80% washed the exposure site, only 49.2% reported incidents promptly, 69.5% received PEP, and just 60% completed follow-up serology testing.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study confirms a high burden of bloodborne pathogen exposure among HCWs at lekma hospital, linked to occupational factors like experience, shift, and role. Despite moderate knowledge, critical gaps persist in incident reporting and completion of PEP and follow-up testing. These findings underscore an urgent need for reinforced, targeted training and stricter enforcement of safety and post-exposure management protocols to protect healthcare workers.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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