Occupational accidents among healthcare workers in Türkiye: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Healthcare workers (HCWs) face substantial occupational hazards imposing significant physical, psychological and economic burdens on individuals and health systems. Despite extensive research, the reported prevalence of occupational injuries varies across professional groups and regions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational injuries among HCWs in Türkiye-based on self-reported outcomes over study-specified recall periods-and inform preventive strategies.

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, ProQuest, EBSCOhost and TR Dizin using a standardised strategy. Eligible studies were cross-sectional of HCWs aged ≥18 years working in Türkiye. Titles/Abstracts and full texts were screened in duplicate, with independent, duplicate data extraction and reconciliation of discrepancies. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. Data from 19 studies (n=6301) were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis using R software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using I² statistics, Egger's test and the trim-and-fill method.

The pooled prevalence of occupational injuries was 43.3% (95% CI 33.9% to 52.8%, I²=99.1%, p<0.001). Most used face-to-face surveys and included diverse HCW groups. Study-level occupational injury prevalence ranged from 7.1% to 87.3%. After correcting for publication bias, the pooled prevalence remained unchanged at 43.3%. Sharp object injuries and contact with contaminated fluids were the most frequent causes.

Occupational injuries remain alarmingly high among HCWs in Türkiye. These findings call for the implementation and strengthening of prevention strategies, including improved safety training, workplace safety protocols and policy reforms. Emphasising high-risk groups such as nurses and dentists is crucial for effective interventions.

CRD42024565953.