Workplace HIV and TB Programmes for Laboratory Health Workers: A Rapid Review

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) remain global health challenges. Health workers (HWs), particularly laboratory HWs who handle infectious samples, face increased occupational risks of infection. Laboratory HWs are essential for disease diagnosis and monitoring, yet their health is endangered by workplace exposures to HIV and TB, potentially leading to workforce depletion and compromised healthcare delivery. Despite existing guidelines and policies for access and implementation of effective occupational health services (OHS), including hazard identification, medical surveillance, and postexposure preventive treatment, these are often obstructed by resource limitations.

This review paper discusses the morbidity of HIV and TB among laboratory HWs, and explores the enablers and barriers to accessing HIV and TB OHS.

A literature search was conducted using the EBSCOhost databases. Relevant keywords identified studies related to HWs, specifically laboratory HWs. Eligible studies were organised using a flow diagram, resulting in 13 papers. Data concerning morbidity, enabling factors, barriers, and recommendations were extracted using a modified tool.

Studies consistently demonstrate a high prevalence of latent TB Infection and active TB among laboratory HWs handling mycobacteria. Barriers to accessing OHS are more frequently reported than enablers, and HIV data specific to laboratory HWs were limited. Recommended interventions include enhanced surveillance, stronger OHS programmes, and integrating OHS and infection control.

Despite growing evidence, gaps remain in implementation, and further studies are needed to assess the real-world application of recommended measures.