Sharps injuries among nurses and midwives in sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: The prevalence of blood-borne pathogens, including HIV and hepatitis B and C, remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. Nurses and midwives are therefore at high risk for occupational transmission. Aims: To examine the prevalence of sharps injuries and other work-related risks among nurses and midwives. Methods: Nurses and midwives (n=712) in sub-Saharan Africa completed an anonymous questionnaire. Generalised estimating questions were used to analyse the data. Findings: Nurses and midwives who made home visits, engaged in direct care, were called in to work 'off-hours', and performed needle-related tasks ≥15 times/day were more likely to have sharps injuries (all P<0.05). Among those injured, only 64.2% reported their injuries appropriately. Among those who reported, only 61.5% were tested for HIV or hepatitis B and C, and only 28.2% received HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusions: Future efforts should focus on optimising work schedules, reducing unnecessary needle-related tasks, introducing safety engineered needles and improving post-exposure prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]