Compliance with Prevention Guidelines and Bloodborne Infection Exposure among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Hospital

Background: Bloodborne infections remain a significant occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs), with percutaneous injuries and inadequate compliance with prevention guidelines being the key contributors.This study examined exposure among HCWs, with a focus on risk factors and adherence to prevention guidelines.Methods: We analyzed 3,345 reported cases of bloodborne infection among HCWs at a tertiary hospital and a dental hospital in Seoul, Korea, between 2018 and 2022, based on an in-hospital infection surveillance system managed by the infection control unit.The variables that were evaluated included demographic characteristics, occupation, activity, location, path to injury, and compliance with prevention guidelines.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chisquare tests.Results: Nurses (53.7%) were most frequently exposed, primarily because of improper disposal (24.0%) and Safety-engineered devices (20.2%).Wards (34.9%) were the most common exposure sites, with 72.7% of injuries involving needles.Most injuries occurred during the procedure (49.8%), with Syringe needle (31.0%).Compliance gaps, such as improper personal protective equipment usage and unsafe disposal practices, were significant contributors to exposure rates.Conclusion: Noncompliance with prevention guidelines remains a key factor in exposure to bloodborne infections.National and institutional policies must support interventions that ensure comprehensive compliance and sustained reductions in exposure rates.