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. 2025 Jul 10;17(7):e87696.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.87696. eCollection 2025 Jul.

Prevalence and Predictors of Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

Arun Mani Babu  1 , Alok Ranjan  1 , Chandramani Singh  2 , Neha Chaudhary  3
Affiliations

Prevalence and Predictors of Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

Arun Mani Babu et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs), leading to transmission of blood-borne infections. Despite global data, limited information is available regarding the prevalence and predictors of such exposures in Bihar, India. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 HCWs, including resident doctors, MBBS interns, nursing staff, and paramedical staff, at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, from January to October 2021. Stratified random sampling was used. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were employed for analysis. Statistical significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 27 years, with 52% being female. About 22% reported at least one occupational exposure to BBFs during their duty at AIIMS Patna, and 16.4% experienced exposure in the past year. Needle stick injuries (47.3%) were the most common mode of exposure. Two-thirds of participants were fully vaccinated against hepatitis B. Following universal precautions significantly reduced the odds of exposure (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.19, 95% CI: 0.09-0.40). Higher knowledge and awareness scores were also protective (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.58). Conclusion Occupational exposures to BBFs remain a considerable risk among HCWs. Promoting universal precaution practices, enhancing knowledge and awareness, and ensuring complete hepatitis B vaccination coverage are crucial for minimizing such risks.

Keywords: blood and body fluids; healthcare workers; hepatitis b vaccination; needle stick injury; occupational exposure; universal precautions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna Institutional Ethics Committee issued approval AIIMS/Pat/lEC/PGTh/July19/28. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

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