Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Apr 2, 2026
Date Accepted: Jul 20, 2026
Prevalence and Determinants of Blood Exposure Accidents Among Healthcare Workers in Kalemie, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Blood exposure accidents (BEAs) remain a major occupational hazard for healthcare providers, particularly in low‑resource settings. Despite their preventable nature, BEAs continue to occur frequently due to gaps in compliance with standard precautions and limited institutional surveillance.
Objective:
This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with BEAs among healthcare providers in Kalemie, Tanganyika Province, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Methods:
A cross‑sectional study was conducted in March 2024 among 316 healthcare providers randomly selected from 34 health facilities (20 public, 9 private, 5 faith‑based). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from WHO and CDC tools. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of BEAs, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p‑values reported.
Results:
The lifetime prevalence of BEAs was 64.8% (208/316), and the 12‑month prevalence was 60.4% (191/316). The most frequent causes were unexpected patient movement (42.4%) and lack of attention (34.6%). Needle‑stick injuries accounted for 59.2% of exposures. Only 36.1% of incidents were formally reported. Multivariate analysis identified two independent predictors: - Non‑compliance with standard precautions (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.50–5.68; p = 0.001). - Facility type: working in secondary‑level facilities was protective (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14–0.67; p = 0.003).
Conclusions:
BEAs are highly prevalent among healthcare providers in Kalemie. Most incidents are preventable, and non‑compliance with standard precautions significantly increases risk. Strengthening infection prevention and control measures, ensuring consistent availability of personal protective equipment, and establishing effective surveillance systems are urgently needed to protect healthcare workers and reinforce health system resilience.
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