[Blood exposure accidents: knowledge and practices of hospital health workers in Mali]

This is a prospective study conducted in December 2012 among 128 at the Nianankoro Fomba Hospital in Segou in order to assess their knowledge and practices on Blood Exposure Accidents (BEA). The average age of caregivers was 35.4 ± 9 years (range: 22-59 years). The nurses were predominant with 37.5%. The definition of BEA was mastered by 43.8%. The main transmissible infectious agents (HIV, HBV and HCV) were ignored by 76.6%. Questioning revealed that during the treatment, 78.9% wore gloves and 36.0% recapped needles after use. The concept of washing and disinfection after BEA was known by 68.8%. The disinfectant applied was correct for 21.9% of the cases, the time of application for 69.5%. Consulting a referring physician after BEA was mandatory for 32% of them. The time limit of 48 hours delay for the declaration of BEA was experienced by 51.3%. Among staff interviewed 82 caregivers (64.1%) experienced at least one BEA. Students and nursing students were most at risk. Needle pricks were the most frequent (73.2%). BEA is a major problem in the Segou Nianankoro Fomba Hospital. Compliance with standard precautions is not of common practice. Post-exposure care is not widely known. The experienced cases show poor management of BEA in the structure.