Awareness of Hazard Risks and Prevention Among Orthopaedic Surgery Residents in South East Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgery is a specialty that deals with a lot of complex and delicate procedures which involve the use of power tools as well as handling of sharp tools and bony spicules, which, among other things, expose trainees to day-to-day hazards which can predispose them to an array of health challenges and burden the health sector. Knowledge of different measures in minimizing some of these risks can go a long way to saving lives and resources. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the level of awareness among orthopaedic surgical residents about various hazards and risks and to ascertain their views on the prevention thereof to guide certain decision-making concerning surgical hazard risk reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of orthopaedic surgery residents in South East Nigeria was conducted using a structured questionnaire designed using the free software Google(®) Form and was electronically distributed randomly to orthopaedic surgery residents in southern Nigeria using platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram. The data obtained were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical software version 26. Consent was obtained from all respondents by outlining a clear statement of consent at the beginning of the form. RESULTS: At the end of the study period, 49 surgical residents completed and submitted the questionnaire. There was a significant level of awareness of surgical hazard risks among the surgical residents, with over 90% agreeing to radiation exposure, needlestick injury, and inhalation of smoke being the major surgical hazard risks encountered in orthopaedic surgery practice. Over 95.9% of the respondents agreed that the use of sharp collection devices can help reduce needlestick injuries. All respondents agreed that the provision of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce surgical hazards. It was noted that the majority of the respondents (65.3%) had their preliminary knowledge about exposure to surgical hazard risks and appropriate safety measures during their undergraduate education. About 30.6% were aware of a surgery hazard risk safety guideline in their training centres, whereas only 65.3% of those people have studied the guidelines. There was no statistically significant associations between the level of training and marital status and those who had studied the surgical hazard risk guidelines available in their centres (P = 0.086, χ(2)= 2.942; P = 0.715, χ(2)=0.133, respectively). All of the residents know that immunization can help reduce the impact of disease risk among the surgery staff, but only 73.5% have completed a hepatitis B immunization and 55.1% have completed the tetanus immunization. CONCLUSION: Surgical hazards risks are important issues that need to be addressed and measures regularly reviewed appropriately to ensure and maintain the safety and health of the orthopaedic surgical and all other health personnel. There is a significant level of awareness of surgical hazard risks and prevention measures among orthopaedic residents, but the level of compliance to safety guidelines is not yet optimal. RECOMMENDATION: PPEs and sharp collection boxes should always be available in theatres and measures should be taken to encourage residents’ adherence to studying and practicing established surgical safety guidelines in their hospitals and also completing their immunization schedules.