Effectiveness of Behavioral Interventions for Managing Occupational Exposure to Sharps and Body Fluids Among Health Care Workers.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of behavioral change interventions on health care workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to blood-borne pathogen exposure in Ethiopian hospitals. A controlled pre/post cross-sectional study was conducted in four hospitals using structured questionnaires. Interventions included training and capacity-building, guided by the health belief model and social cognitive theory. Composite scores for knowledge and practices increased significantly. Knowledge rose from 914 to 1226 ( P = 0.03), with marked improvements in risk perception (31%-80%, P < 0.001) and understanding postexposure policy (44%-73%, P < 0.001). Safety practices increased from 990 to 1409 ( P = 0.05). Exposure reporting rose from 22% to 72% ( P < 0.001), and use of the prevention guide from 55% to 89% ( P < 0.001). Behavioral interventions enhanced knowledge and exposure management practices.