Background: Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs) is a serious concern for

health care workers (HCWs) and presents a major risk factor for transmission of infection

diseases such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immune deficiency

virus (HIV). According to world health organization (WHO), about 3 million are exposed to

blood borne viruses each year and 90% of the infections were reported from developing

countries.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the magnitudes of occupational

exposure of blood and body fluids and its associated factors among health workers in University

of Gondar Hospital.

Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from February 01 to May 31,

2017 at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized referral Hospital HCWs (n=282). A

simple random sampling technique and self-administered structured questionnaire were used to

select and collect data respectively. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis using logistic

regression were performed; P < 0.05 at 95% CI was considered as statistical significant.

Result: A total of 282 HCWs were participated with the mean (±𝑆𝐷) age of 30.51± 5.86 years.

Of the total, 58.5% (165) study participants had been exposed to BBFs in their life time.

However, 39.0% (110) of HCWs were exposed to BBFs in the past year. Lack of training on

infection prevention (AOR ꞊3.39, 95% CI: 1.89, 6.07), taking HBV vaccination (AOR ꞊1.83;

95% CI: 1.05, 3.20) and recapping of used needles with (AOR ꞊ 2.44; 95%CI: 1.36, 4.37) were

risk factors associated with blood and body fluids exposure.

Conclusion: In this study, lack of infection prevention training and recapping of needles were

associated risk factors with blood and body fluids exposure. Hence, all relevant stake holders in

health need to provide training on infection prevention and supply adequate personal protective

equipments.

Key words: Occupational exposure, health care workers, blood and body fluids.