Knowledge and awareness of blood-borne infections among healthcare workers in Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Blood-borne infections (BBIs) are important occupational hazards among healthcare workers worldwide. The BBIs considered in this study included syphilis, hepatitis B, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Limited awareness and inadequate knowledge of BBIs among healthcare workers can increase the risk of occupational exposure and compromise the health and safety of healthcare workers worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and knowledge of BBIs among healthcare workers in Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State, Southern Nigeria. A total of 330 healthcare workers, including clinicians, nurses, medical laboratory scientists, and ward attendants, were recruited from all 47 registered health facilities in Etsako West LGA. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire that included open ended and close ended response formats. Questionnaires were sorted, and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21.0 software. Awareness of BBIs was assessed using a dichotomous question asking respondents whether they had ever heard of BBIs (Yes/No). Respondents who answered “Yes” were considered aware. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted to describe variables and assess associations between socio-demographic factors and knowledge of BBIs. Knowledge was assessed using 11 questions covering four domains: definition, modes of transmission, prevention, and types of BBIs. Each correct response was assigned a score of 1 and each incorrect response a score of 0, giving a total score ranging from 0 to 11. The majority of respondents had heard of BBIs (281; 85.2%). Among those who were aware of BBIs, the hospital was the most commonly reported source of information (142; 50.5%), followed by school (85; 30.2%), health talks/seminars (29; 10.3%), and the media (14; 5.0%). Awareness of BBIs was highest among clinicians, followed by medical laboratory scientists, nurses, and ward attendants. Overall, 212 (75.4%) healthcare workers had good knowledge of BBIs, while 69 (24.6%) had poor knowledge of BBIs in Etsako West LGA, Edo State, Nigeria. Healthcare workers demonstrated varying levels of knowledge and awareness of BBIs, with knowledge significantly associated with educational qualification, age and professional category. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions and regular infection prevention and control training to improve knowledge among all categories of healthcare workers.