Occupational health problems among nurses

Nurses are an integral component of the health care delivery system. In discharging their duties, nurses encounter a variety of occupational health problems which may be categorized into biological hazards, chemical hazards, physical hazards, and psychosocial hazards. A review of some examples of each of these four types of hazards is presented in this article. Particular attention has been devoted to hepatitis B, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, tuberculosis, cytotoxic drugs, anesthetic agents, needle stick injury, back pain, and stress.

Needle sticks and sharp injuries (NSSIs) have been recognized as one of the occupational hazards among health care workers (HCWs). An estimated 600,000 to 800,000 needle stick and other percutaneous injuries are reported annually among U.S. HCWs. It is estimated that 100,000 needle stick injuries occur annually in UK alone and 500,000 annually in Germany. Occupational exposures to percutaneous injuries are substantial source of infections with blood borne pathogens among health-care workers and can cause substantial health consequences and psychological stress for HCWs and their loved ones. Occupational blood borne transmission of more than 50 different pathogens has been reported. NSSIs increase risk of spread of diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Certain groups of individuals are at greater risk than others because of the nature of their work. Numerous studies have found nurses to be the commonest group of HCWs experiencing needle stick injuries.The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of needle sticks and sharps injuries and its associated factors among HCWs at Malaysia's hospitals.