Abstract
Background
Healthcare workplaces are often unsafe working environments due to the inherent sources of hazards. Health workers in Rwanda, like anywhere else in the world, face a range of occupational hazards. This study was conducted to assess health care workers' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of workplace hazards and available safety measures.
Methods
A cross-sectional mixed methods study design was used. Clinical and support staff at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali/CHUK, selected by stratified sampling, received a structured self-administered questionnaire. Socio-demographic, Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions information were collected, qualitative information about presence of safety measures was also collected. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize knowledge, attitude and perception scores, and sociodemographic characteristics. Odds ratios with 95% CI were calculated to identify statistically significant differences between sociodemographic groups.
Results
A total of 290 employees responded to the questionnaire, of which 163 (56.2%) were male. Average age was 35.81 years old (SD±7.528 years old). Most of the participants (n=151; 52.1%) reported that they met patients with highly contagious diseases 12 months before the commencement of data collection. Moreover, 155 (53.3%) participants had needle stick injuries, 144(49.7%) got in direct contact with patients' body fluids and 56(19.3%) were exposed to ionising radiation. Furthermore, 61(21%) participants reported that they were assaulted by either patients or coworkers. Overall, 143 (49.3%) participants had knowledge deemed adequate; with the majority being males who are married, have a bachelor’s degree and are aged above 30 years. The results show that 154 (53.1%) participants had a good attitude. Bad attitude was associated with being aged 26 or younger (9.1%), female (42.2%), divorced (3.2%), widowed (1.3%), or only completed secondary education (0.6%). Moreover, 175 (60.3%) participants had negative perceptions towards the current situation and this was associated with being in the age group of 31to 40 years (54.9%), male gender (60.6%), being married (64.6%), and having a bachelor’s degree (64%). Conclusion
Over the course of the year, half of hospital staff are exposed to workplace hazards. There are gaps in knowledge about workplace hazards and proper safety practices. Healthcare workers' attitudes also put them at risk. Workplace health education and policing need to be strengthened to create a safe working environment.
Keywords: Occupational hazards; healthcare workers; University teaching hospital of Kigali in Rwanda