Occupational Exposure to Biological Hazards Among Molecular Biology Laboratory Staff in Federal Teaching Hospitals in Southeast Nigeria

Laboratory scientists and technicians in molecular biology units face significant occupational exposure risks from infectious clinical specimens, carcinogenic reagents, and aerosol-generating procedures. Understanding the nature and frequency of occupational exposures among this professional group is essential for designing targeted biosafety interventions. This study assessed occupational exposure to biological hazards among molecular biology laboratory staff in three federal teaching hospitals in Enugu, Anambra, and Imo States, Southeast Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was administered to 90 laboratory staff members, capturing data on exposure incidents, personal protective equipment use, post-exposure prophylaxis availability, and vaccination coverage. Workplace observation was performed to assess biosafety infrastructure. Sixty-three percent of respondents reported at least one occupational exposure incident (needlestick, mucous membrane splash, or aerosol exposure) in the preceding 12 months. PPE compliance was rated as consistent by only 41% of staff, with cost and availability cited as barriers. Post-exposure prophylaxis was reported as readily available in only one of three facilities. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 58% among clinical laboratory staff. The high rate of unreported incidents (67%) reflects a safety culture deficit that requires urgent managerial intervention and biosafety protocol reinforcement in Southeast Nigerian teaching hospital laboratories. Keywords: occupational exposure, biological hazards, laboratory safety, post-exposure prophylaxis, Southeast Nigeria.