title: [Occupational risks perception in professional nursing practitioners at health care center].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study aim is to describe the perception of occupational risks by nursing professionals in health care center.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on a total population of 122 registered nurses (RNs) and 89 certified nurse aides (CNAs). A convenience sample of nursing professionals was recruited with 72 RNs (27 males and 45 females), and 45 CNAs (1 male and 44 females). They were asked about their perception of occupational risks during their everyday work practice. Sex and age variables were considered, as well as work-related accidents and occupational risk prevention training that had been registered in the last five years. The sample mean age was 47.29 ± 7.98 years (RNs, 45.11; and CNAs, 50.77).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Main sources of risks as perceived by RNs were those accidents due to biological materials exposure (52.78%), carrying and moving weight (19.44%), and to occupational stress (19.44%); amongst CNAs, those accidents due to carrying and moving weight (44.44%), biological materials exposure (26.67%) and other infections (15.56%) were also mentioned. As regards the overall risks identified by these professionals, 23.08% of them had perceived no risk at all during their work; 35.04% only identified one risk, and 29.06% perceived two risks in their day to day activity, whereas 12.82% identified three or more occupational risks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As a general rule, the nursing professionals tend to underestimate the occupational risks they are exposed to, with biological, musculoskeletal, and occupational-related stress are perceived as the main sources of risks.
authors: Área de Gestión Sanitaria Norte de Huelva, Hospital de Riotinto, UGC Prevención, Promoción y Vigilancia de la Salud, Huelva, España. Electronic address: miguel.porras.sspa@juntadeandalucia.es.
authors: Miguel
authors: M
authors: Porras-Povedano
authors: Sanitas Milenium Córdoba, Córdoba, España.
authors: Virginia
authors: V
authors: Santacruz-Hamer
authors: Área de Gestión Sanitaria Norte de Huelva, Hospital de Riotinto, UGC Prevención, Promoción y Vigilancia de la Salud, Huelva, España.
authors: Inmaculada
authors: I
authors: Oliva-Reina
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009729:Nursing; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012306:Risk
keywords: Enfermería; Nurse; Occupational health; Occupational risks; Riesgos laborales; Salud laboral