Evaluation of Occupational Risks of Employees Working in Primary Health Care Services in Malatya/Akçadağ

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Today, health workers are facing different business risks due to nature of work they are doing, as well as business risks they are exposed to in other sectors. This study was planned to identify occupational risks to health workers and to contribute to planning of health services for health workers. Method: Population of study consisted of a community health center in Akçadağ district of Malatya and all health personnel working in four family health centers. It is aimed to reach all personnel without using any sampling method. A questionnaire of 19 questions was applied to all employees. Findings: Of 49 health personnel participating in study,10 were physicians, 28 were midwives or nurses, 7 were health officers, 3 were medical secretaries, and 1 was a servant. Of 11 people (22.4%) who had disease or complaint that they thought were due to work, 5 (45.4%) complained with psychological problems and stress,3 (27.3%) waist and neck stool, 2 (18.2%) varicosis, 1 (9.1%) muscle pain. Within past year; 11 (22.4%) had experienced cutter-penetrating sunken object injury. 6 of them (54.5%) were needle punctures, 4 (36.4%) bulb incisions, and 1 (9.1%) were surgical instrument injuries. 8 (16.3%) were exposed to transmission. 6 of them (75%) had blood, 1 (12.5%) had spit, 1 (12.5%) had contact with feces, leap and so on. 5 (10.2%) were exposed to violence in workplace.All of these were verbal attacks and threats from patient and their relatives. Only 1 (2.0%) was exposed to situations of workplace slips, falls etc. Conclusion: Since health of health worker is also considered as a factor affecting health of community, it is suggested that a wide range of occupational health and safety practices, including public and private health sector, which is determined by national laws and procedures, is urgently reviewed. Keywords: Primary care, health worker, occupational risk