title: Biological risk among hospital housekeepers.
abstract: Although not directly responsible for patient care, hospital housekeepers are still susceptible to accidents with biological material. The objectives of this study were to establish profile and frequency of accidents among hospital housekeepers, describe behaviors pre- and postaccident, and risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study with hospital housekeepers in Goiania, Brazil. Data were obtained from interviews and vaccination records. The observations were as follows: (1) participating workers: 94.3%; (2) incomplete hepatitis B vaccination: 1 in 3; and (3) accident rate: 26.5%, mostly percutaneous with hypodermic needles, and involved blood from an unknown source; roughly half occurred during waste management. Upon review, length of service less than 5 years, completed hepatitis B vaccination, and had been tested for anti-HBs (hepatitis B surface antigen) influenced frequency of accidents. These findings suggest that improper disposal of waste appears to enhance the risk to hospital housekeepers. All hospital workers should receive continued training with regard to waste management.
authors.affiliation: a College of Nursing, Federal University of Goias , Goiania , Brazil.
authors.forename: Priscilla Santos Ferreira
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Ream
authors.affiliation: a College of Nursing, Federal University of Goias , Goiania , Brazil.
authors.forename: Anaclara Ferreira Veiga
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Tipple
authors.affiliation: a College of Nursing, Federal University of Goias , Goiania , Brazil.
authors.forename: Dayane Xavier
authors.initials: DX
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.affiliation: a College of Nursing, Federal University of Goias , Goiania , Brazil.|b Department of Nursing, Nutrition and Physiotherapy, Pontifical Catholic University of Goias , Goiania , Brazil.
authors.forename: Adenícia Custódia Silva
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Souza
authors.affiliation: b Department of Nursing, Nutrition and Physiotherapy, Pontifical Catholic University of Goias , Goiania , Brazil.
authors.forename: Milca Severino
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Pereira
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006797:Housekeeping, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal
keywords: Blood-borne pathogens; hazardous waste; hospital housekeeping; needlestick injuries; occupational accident