Occupational exposure to blood: search for a relation between personality and behavior.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Nursing Practice
• Infectious Disease Prevention

Background:

• Occupational blood exposure (OEB) poses significant risks to healthcare professionals.
• Inadequate adherence to Standard Precautions and reporting protocols can exacerbate these risks.
• Understanding factors influencing OEB and reporting behaviors is crucial for improving safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe French nurses' behaviors following occupational blood exposure (OEB).
• To identify reasons for not reporting OEBs to occupational health services or hospital authorities.
• To explore links between personality traits and OEB risk/reporting.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses and nursing students in Lorraine, France.
• An anonymous questionnaire assessed OEB history, reporting practices, and personality traits (Zuckerman sensation-seeking scale).
• Data from 964 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and Poisson regression.

Main Results:

• Approximately half (48.5%) of OEBs were reported, with "good local antisepsis" cited as a common reason for non-reporting.
• Only 17% of respondents routinely used gloves during blood exposure procedures.
• Higher disinhibition and susceptibility to boredom were linked to increased OEB risk, while younger age and lower boredom susceptibility correlated with higher reporting rates.

Conclusions:

• Nursing personnel demonstrate insufficient awareness regarding OEB risks, Standard Precautions, and the importance of notification and follow-up.
• Personality traits, particularly high disinhibition and boredom susceptibility, are associated with increased OEB risk.
• Targeted education and counseling are essential to improve knowledge and adherence to safety protocols among nurses.