Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids Among Laboratory Scientists in Public Hospitals in Ogun State

Needlestick injuries and splashes of blood and body fluids represent serious occupational hazards for laboratory scientists, placing them at risk of infection with HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. This cross-sectional study investigated the frequency, nature, and management of occupational exposures to blood and body fluids among laboratory scientists in 15 public hospitals in Ogun State, in the South West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 120 laboratory scientists on exposure events, personal protective equipment use, post-exposure prophylaxis access, and pre-exposure vaccination status. A total of 43.3 percent of respondents reported at least one occupational exposure event in the preceding 12 months. Needlestick injuries were the most frequent exposure type, accounting for 61.5 percent of reported events. Only 57.7 percent of exposures were formally reported to the facility occupational health unit. Post-exposure prophylaxis access was rated as adequate by only 32 percent of exposed respondents. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 68.3 percent. Glove use compliance was inconsistent in 38.3 percent of respondents. These findings highlight significant occupational safety gaps for laboratory workers in Ogun State hospitals and recommend mandatory post-exposure reporting protocols, improved PPE supply, mandatory HBV vaccination for all laboratory staff, and enhanced occupational health services. Keywords: occupational exposure, needlestick injury, laboratory scientists, Ogun State, post-exposure prophylaxis.