BIOLOGICAL ACCIDENTS UNDERREPORTING BY NURSING PROFESSIONALS OF A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To identify the rate of underreporting of accidents with biological material by the nursing staff of a university hospital and the reasons cited for the underreporting. Method: Cross-sectional research. We individually interviewed all nursing professionals who provided health care services to patients at the study hospital or who manipulated objects used by them and who agreed to participate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the hospital. Results: The rate of underreporting of accidents was 36.6%. The most frequently reported reason to justify the underreporting was considered the accident as low risk (52.7%). Conclusion: It is believed that the present study may promote the knowledge of professionals about their occupational risk and will contribute to propose measures to improve compliance professionals to the notification procedure and consequently give greater security to the health of these workers.