Work incidents with biological material in the nursing team of a hospital in Mid-Western Brazil

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To investigate and describe the occurrence and characteristics of Work Incidents (WI) with Potentially Contaminated Biological Material (PCBM), the frequency and variables related to this occurrence among nursing categories. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was performed at a referral hospital in the State of Mato Grosso, Mid-Western Brazil. Results: Women represented 90.5% of all participants and the mean age was 42.59 years. A total of 46.6% of professionals reported having undergone exposure to PCBM, 60.9% stated not having made a report, and 42.6% reported having participated in training courses on this subject. Comparing the occurrence of WI between nursing assistants and nurses, nursing assistants were more affected (p = 0.022). Conclusions: Among nursing professionals, the number of WI is high, recurrent and underreported. Continuing education on this theme is required to ensure the quality of care and promote workers' health.