Occupational Hazards Faced by Nurses in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh

Abstract

This descriptive survey was carried out to investigate the level of knowledge on occupational hazards among nurses in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. The aim of the present study was to explore the reasons that may cause injuries as well as the level of nurses’ knowledge about this occupational hazard. The study population consisted of 50 nurses of different wards in Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. The study was carried out from January to June 2019. It was found that 12% of the respondents were males, 88% were females, and 4% were single while 90% were married. Among the respondents, 24% were between 25–34 years of age, 40% between 35–44 years and 36% between 45– 54 years. 22% respondents have 1–10 years, 52% respondents have 11–20 years, 16% respondents have 21–30 years and 10% respondents have 31–40 years working experience in the nursing profession. It was strongly found that 94% of the respondents knew that the profession is prone to occupational hazards, and as expressed by 81.60% of the respondents, needle sticks injury is the commonest hazard, and others are sharp instrument and breaking ample. It is encouraging that a large number 71.20% of nurses understand the preventive measures against occupational hazards. About 66.40% nurses having knowledge on disease that can be transmitted though needle-stick injuries. The majority of the respondents that is 48 (96%) indicated that used needles as well as sharp instruments are should be carefully handling, 46 (92%) respondents indicated that cut needle with machine, about 43 (86%) indicated that wearing gloves and 32(64%) respondents indicated that avoid recapping. The majority of the respondents that is 39 (78%) indicated that they were washing their hands on duty and only 11 (22%) respondents indicated that they were no washing their hands on duty.