Abstract

Objective: Each year, three million out of 35 million healthcare workers are exposed to blood-borne pathogens percutaneously according to World Health Organization. Healthcare personnel are at further risk of being exposed to contagious infection agents and sharp injuries than normal population. To protect healthcare workers, it is necessary to scan for vaccine-preventable diseases and apply immunization programs if necessary as well as effective management for sharp injuries.

Methods: Between May 2013 and October 2015, 1860 healthcare workers who applied to Healthcare Workers Outpatient Clinic of our hospital were evaluated for the study. Their demographic data and serological parameters were recorded and statistical analysis performed using SPSS 15.0 program.

Results: Nine hundred sixty two (51.7%) of healthcare workers were female and 898 (48.3%) were male. It was found out that HBsAg seropositivity was 3.1%, anti-HBs seropositivity was 56.5%, anti-HAV IgG seropositivity was 92.4%, anti-measles IgG seropositivity was 99.1%, and anti-rubella IgG seropositivity was 97.7%. Sharp injuries rate was found 4.6% during the period.

Conclusions: Healthcare workers have an increased rate of exposure to blood and other body fluids. So, it is necessary to screen for vaccine-preventable diseases before they start to work and they should be vaccinated if they are seronegative. Effective management for sharp injuries is also necessary.