IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PURE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (RJPST )

E-ISSN 2579-0536
P-ISSN 2695-2696
VOL. 5 NO. 1 2022

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Occupational Hazards of Health Care Workers in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State Nigeria

RIGHTEOUS, INNIME & CHIBUZOR CHIKA

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Abstract

This study investigated occupational hazards of health care workers in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State. A cross sectional descriptive survey design was adopted to study all the health care workers in the government owned health facilities of Ikwerre LGA with a population of 263. Instrument for data collection consisted of a sell-structured questionnaire which was validated with a reliability coefficient of 0.81. A total 01250 copies of the questionnaire were administered to health care workers in all the 35 government owned health facilities in Ikwerre LGA. Data, were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21. The data obtained were presented in tables of frequency, and percentage, mean score and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while ANOVA and Z-test were used to test hypotheses at 0.5 alpha level. The study revealed that there was a high level of knowledge about occupational hazard. The most common hazards \V5 ergonomic hazards (3.0±2.5), followed by biological hazards (2.5±1.4). Perceived health effects were waist pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and sleeplessness and eye problems. Safety practices to control occupational hazards among others included; immunization against Hepatitis-B virus, hand wash with soap and water, conducive working environment, wearing adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Also, year of service, age, gender and educational qualification had no significant influence on occupational hazards of health care workers in Ikwerre LGA P>0.05 bile marital status significantly influenced occupational hazards of health care workers P<0.05. Therefore, it was recommended among others that government should open the closed down hospitals, renovate and equip dilapidated facilities to be conducive and safe in order to prevent hazards. Also, there should be a continuous education and awareness campaign oil safety of health care workers through regular seminars, workshops

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