Page 201 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Blood exposure in Cameroon healthcare workers

This study observed an increase in both 12-month of Cameroon, such as the northern part of the country.
and lifetime prevalence of occupational exposure to BBFs Despite these limitations, this systematic review and
among HCWs between 2010 and 2023. This may be due meta-analysis used robust methods to critically appraise
to the inadequate implementation of occupational safety and synthesize the available evidence. The use of widely
and health policies and guidelines to address this health accepted tools and the inclusion of both published and
problem in the country. Such policies should ensure unpublished studies helped to minimize publication bias
the implementation of medical education and training and address the underreporting of negative results.
on infection control practices, occupational safety in
healthcare settings, availability of personal protective 6. Conclusion
equipment, and adequate waste management practices
(Takougang et al., 2023). In addition, the increasing HCWs in Cameroon face a significant risk of occupational
patient load of HCWs in the context of a limited health exposure to BBFs, with more than half experiencing
workforce might have influenced this trend (Cheuyem exposure in their lifetime or within a 12-month period.
et al., 2024). In this regard, studies conducted in This is a major public health concern, particularly for
Cameroon and Ethiopia have reported that fatigue HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infection transmission.
and stress due to high workload were commonly cited The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions,
factors contributing to the occurrence of occupational including improved infection control practices, adherence
exposure to BBFs (Bazie, 2020; Cheuyem et al., 2023; to standard precautions, and enhanced occupational safety
Shitu et al., 2021). and health policies.

Effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial Acknowledgments
in Cameroon to mitigate the risks associated with
occupational exposure to BBFs among HCWs (Ngwa None.
et al., 2018; Takougang et al., 2023). Given the high
prevalence of such exposures, as highlighted in this study, Funding
readily accessible and standardized PEP protocols are None.
essential (Takougang et al., 2023). These protocols should
encompass immediate wound care, risk assessment, and Conflict of interest
timely access to PEP for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C The authors declare they have no competing interests.
(Kuhar et al., 2001; “Managing Occupational Exposure to
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV,” 2010). Regular training Author contributions
and educational programs are needed to ensure HCWs are
well versed in PEP procedures, including the importance Conceptualization: Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo Cheuyem
of prompt reporting and follow-up (Auerbach et al., 2024). Data curation: Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo Cheuyem, Christian
Furthermore, healthcare facilities must be equipped with Mouangue, Dilane Christian Maidey Hamadama
the necessary resources, such as PEP medications and Investigation: Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo Cheuyem, Michel
testing kits, to facilitate swift and appropriate responses to Franck Edzamba
occupational exposure incidents (Cowan et al., 2024). By Methodology: Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo Cheuyem
prioritizing PEP, Cameroon can significantly reduce the Writing-original draft: Fabrice Zobel Lekeumo Cheuyem
risk of infection transmission and protect the health and Writing-review & editing: All authors
well-being of its vital healthcare workforce.
Ethics approval and consent to participate
5. Limitations
Not applicable.
The asymmetry in the funnel plot suggests that studies
with smaller sample sizes and extreme results may be Consent for publication
overrepresented, potentially overestimating the true Not applicable.
prevalence of occupational exposure to BBFs. This
limitation highlights the need for future studies to use Availability of data
larger sample sizes and more rigorous reporting methods.
In addition, the included studies may be subjected to Data sources supporting this systematic review and
recall bias, which could affect the accuracy of the results. meta-analysis are cited in the reference section. All data
Furthermore, the geographical representation of the generated or analyzed during this study are included in
studies was limited, with no studies from certain regions this published article and supplemental material.

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 193 https://doi.org/10.36922/GHES025090016