Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Occupational Health Hazards Prevailing among Healthcare Workers in Developing Countries

Abstract

Henrietta Osaretin Owie and Paschal Awingura Apanga

Introduction: Occupational health is a neglected public health issue among healthcare workers in developing countries. This has exposed healthcare workers in developing countries to various forms of hazards which have had negative consequences on their wellbeing and performance at work. The aim of this research was to explore the forms of occupational hazards prevalent with their associated risk factors in developing countries and to recommend measures that can be put in place to remedy the situation. Methods: Relevant literature were selected from search results from databases such as Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Google search engine were included in the review. Results: The review revealed that blood borne diseases, musculoskeletal problems, latex allergy, tuberculosis, violence and work-related stress were the common occupational hazards among healthcare workers and this was largely blamed on several healthcare system issues. Conclusion: Developing countries should prioritize occupational health and safety issues by investing heavily into standard infection control measures and training of healthcare workers on work safety. Mounting surveillance on occupational hazards and implementing policies that will protect the safety of healthcare workers is also key.