International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue IV, April 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Potential Occupational Hazards by Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Lagos, Nigeria

Margaret Obono, Shakirat A. Adeosun, Paul A. Olaiya, Afusat Adesina

National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers on the occupational hazards in their workplaces and to identify their attitudes and safety practices towards protecting themselves from these hazards.
Method: A descriptive cross- sectional design and stratified sampling technique was utilized to identify the health workers/respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and it covered areas like social demographics, knowledge and perception of potential hazards, attitude and safety practices employed by HCWs to avoid hazards. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Most respondents had high level of knowledge(87%) as well as high perception and safety attitudes to potential occupational hazards but poor (39%) safety practices. Findings showed that there was statistically significant association between level of knowledge and educational status. . Also there was statistically significant association between gender and work experience in relation to safety practice. However, no statistically significant association was observed between socio demographic characteristics and perception of occupational hazards and attitude to safety respectively.
Conclusion: There is need for regular training on safety guidelines and enforcement of standard/universal safety practices by healthcare workers so as to reduce incidences of occupational injuries.

I. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

There are over 59 million health workers employed and working in healthcare facilities worldwide, they represent 12% of the working population (WHO, 2006).