Prevalence and Epidemiological Profile of Accidents with Exposure to Blood Among Health Professionals in Two Hospitals in the North of Togo
Wasungu Bassokla Ditorguena,
Djalogue Prisca,
Agbobli Yawo Apelete,
Dadjo Soukouna Francis,
Sidy Dia,
Mame Coumba Gaye Fall,
Ekouevi Koumavi Didier,
Wognin Sangah,
Ndiaye Mor,
Bonny Jean-Sylvain,
Sow Mamadou Lamine
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, December 2019
Pages:
95-100
Received:
24 June 2019
Accepted:
14 October 2019
Published:
5 December 2019
Abstract: Accidents with exposure to blood (AEBs) remain a reality in healthcare settings and are, by their frequency, a major concern for health professionals. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of AEBs history, to identify the types, circumstances and mechanisms of occurrence and to describe the practices of health professionals with respect to AEBs. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over a period of two (02) months (September-October 2018) in two hospitals, the Kara’s teaching hospital and Kara’s regional hospital, both located in the north, 418 kilometers from Lomé, economic capital of Togo. The study population was represented by health professionals practicing in the district pediatrics, surgery, gynecology-obstetrics, emergencies and laboratories of the said centers. Were included in the study health professionals presents and available in the above-mentioned services at the time of the survey. Hospital staff not directly involved in patient care (administrative, mortuary staff, vigils, pharmacy salesmen) were excluded from the study. This research was a descriptive-analytical technique using interviews and questionnaires anonymized and adapted in such a way that it meets our objectives. Methods of data analysis were made using the Sphinx V5 software version 5.1.0.2. The Chi-square statistical test was used to compare the proportions with a significance threshold of 5%. The prevalence of AEBs was estimated at 67.6%. The results show that AEBs were frequent among men compared to women (72.7% vs 58.3%), without significant difference. Age, occupational qualification and seniority in the medical profession were significantly associated to AEBs. The most common mechanism of occurrence was the skin break (89.1%). The equipment or sharp objects handled at the time of the accident were a hollow needle (58.8%), and the most incriminated body fluid was blood (71.7%). AEBs are a reality in health care in Togo with a very high prevalence and concern daily all socio-professional categories especially the nurses and the midwives during the care tasks. Exposure is roughly daily, however, the amount of vaccination coverage in these two hospitals is low. In addition, for health care workers to some dangerous actions, such as disposal of used needles, lack of attention to wearing PPE will be accepted in certain circumstances without risk, it is observed.
Abstract: Accidents with exposure to blood (AEBs) remain a reality in healthcare settings and are, by their frequency, a major concern for health professionals. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of AEBs history, to identify the types, circumstances and mechanisms of occurrence and to describe the practices of health professionals with respe...
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Investigation of Selected Heavy Metal Ions in Irrigation Water, Soil and Managu (Solanum Nigrum) from Homahills, Homabay County, Kenya
Teresa Akenga,
Emmy Kerich,
Ayabei Kiplagat,
Vincent Sudoi,
Cyrus Kuya
Issue:
Volume 5, Issue 4, December 2019
Pages:
101-106
Received:
26 November 2019
Accepted:
16 January 2020
Published:
18 February 2020
Abstract: Levels of selected heavy metals of Mn, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe and Co were evaluated in irrigation water, soil and managu (Solanum Nigrum) from Homahills, Homabay County, Kenya. The samples were collected purposively and randomly then transported to KALRO Kericho to be analysed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Descriptive statistics and t-test analysis for the heavy metal concentrations were done using SPSS Version 21, transfer factor was also calculated. The levels of heavy metals detected in irrigation water were; 0.89, 0.01, 0.18, 0.35, 4.20 and 0.04 mg/L for Mn, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe and Co respectively. The overall concentration of heavy metals detected in soil under irrigation were; 315.56, 1.00, 13.00, 19.17, 59.05 and 12.50 mg/kg for Mn, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe and Co respectively. The overall levels of heavy metals detected in Solanum Nigrum under irrigation were 10.16, 5.23, 4.02, 41.42, 479.56 and 11.41 mg/kg for Mn, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe and Co respectively. Using paired t-test, the mean heavy metals level recorded in irrigated Solanum Nigrum from two Sub locations were significantly different (p ˂ 0.05) in Mn, Pb, Zn and Co but not significantly different in Cd and Fe. The results revealed that levels of Cd, Mn, Fe and Pb in soil and Solanum Nigrum were above the FAO/WHO limit. These levels pose risks to the consumers rendering them not safe for consumption. Therefore, regular monitoring for these metals in food is vital in ensuring consumption of safe food and avoiding bioaccumulation in the food chain.
Abstract: Levels of selected heavy metals of Mn, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe and Co were evaluated in irrigation water, soil and managu (Solanum Nigrum) from Homahills, Homabay County, Kenya. The samples were collected purposively and randomly then transported to KALRO Kericho to be analysed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Descriptive statis...
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