O-386 Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens Among Female Nurses in a Chinese Hospital: Perspective From Occupational Safety and Health Management System

Introduction This study investigated the status of Occupational Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure (OBPE) in a top-level hospital in Beijing, in order to improve the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS). Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was utilized, combining observation, interviews, questionnaires and evaluation of protection measures against OBPE through assessment tools. Results Of the 932 respondents, 91.20% were females. The hospital’s OBPE incidence rate was 6.01%, and 91.07% of those who experience OBPE are female nurses. The Odds Ratio for female nurses compared to others was 1.62 (95% CI 0.63,4.14). The incident report rate was only 16.85%, the causes of under-report included fear of blame, non-standard operations causing exposure, perceived insignificance, patient’s negative serological test results, self-evaluation of low risk, seeking treatment on their own, and anticipating cumbersome processes after reporting. The assessment score of occupational exposure protection system in this hospital was 720.33/1000, which was below the good rating level (800/1000). Discussion The incidence of OBPE among female nurses is relatively low, however, the high under-report rate makes these results not reflect the real picture, the leading cause is the underdeveloped OSHMS which has a low score compared to the standard rating level for good OSHMS. Conclusion Female nurses are risked by OBPE with occupational health and safety issues caused by high under-report rate, therefore, the top priority and the comprehensive solution should be improving the OSHMS in the hospital.