The impact of occupational splash, sharps and needlestick injuries (SSNIs) on the quality of life of healthcare workers in a Kenyan university hospital

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Ongete, George^{a; *} | Duffy, Francis John Raymond^b

Affiliations: [a] Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya | [b] School of Health Nursing and Midwifery, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, Scotland, UK

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: George Ongete, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, Aga Khan University Hospital, 3rd Parklands Avenue, ETB 3rd Floor, P.O Box 30270, Code 00100, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel.: +254 722429413; E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Infection as a consequence of splash sharps and needlestick injuries (SSNIs) is a hazard faced by healthcare workers. Little is known about the impact this has on quality of life particularly in countries where the risk of infection is high. OBJECTIVE:This study aims to describe the impact SSNIs have on the quality of life of healthcare workers in Kenya, where blood borne illness prevalence is high. METHODS:A hospital-wide survey of a facility in Nairobi was conducted. Data was collected online from at risk healthcare workers using Burckhardt and Anderson’s Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) and a 10-item symptoms questionnaire. RESULTS:Of the 416 participants, 192 (46.2%) had experienced SSNIs. Their mean QOLS scores were considerably lower than that predicted for a healthy population. The relationship between symptoms and QOLS scores showed a strong positive correlation (Pearson’s r = 0.753). Tests of association between QOLS scores and SSNI type, anti-retroviral (ARV) drug use, educational level and staff cadre revealed significant association (p < 0.05). However, on key demographic variables, the association was non-dependent, indicating that the impact was felt similarly by many staff. CONCLUSIONS:SSNIs clearly impact on healthcare workers quality of life. Hospital management should ensure measures are taken to reduce SSNIs and provide appropriate personal protection equipment. For staff experiencing an SSNI, psychological wellbeing should be assessed and appropriate expert help provided.

Keywords: Bloodborne pathogens, HIV/AIDS, hospital acquired infections, staff health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172664

Journal: Work, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 103-119, 2018