Go to AfricaBib home

Go to AfricaBib home AfricaBib Go to database home

bibliographic database
Line
Previous page New search

The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here

Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Needlestick injuries in an era of HIV: technical and personal aspects
Authors:Stevens, Marion
Dickinson, DavidISNI
Year:2007
Periodical:African Journal of AIDS Research
Volume:6
Issue:1
Pages:41-48
Language:English
Geographic term:South Africa
Subjects:occupational health
AIDS
risk
External link:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2989/16085900709490398
Abstract:Hospitals are workplaces in which HIV has double significance. Needlestick accidents link patients, healthcare workers and cleaning staff through the risk of occupational exposure to HIV. Additionally, concern over needlestick injuries may embody HIV stigma, discrimination and fear. This paper draws on qualitative research from a one-year (2004) case study at a large, private South African healthcare company that runs a number of hospitals across the country. Issues surrounding needlestick injuries were discussed with hospital managers, union members, infection-control nurses, health and safety representatives, HIV/AIDS counsellors, and general nursing staff. The research shows that cost-management, human rights, health and safety procedures, stigma and discrimination, and the quality of patient care are all relevant to needlestick injuries in an era of HIV. Participants' concerns focused on establishing safety procedures, the cost and efficacy of waste disposal systems, access to post-exposure prophylaxis, legal implications, and baseline HIV tests following needlestick injuries. Healthcare facilities should ensure procedures that minimize occupational exposure to HIV and that minimize infection risk in the event of accidents. The authors propose that hospitals ought to directly encourage staff to learn their HIV status and seek disease management when needed. Likewise, better approaches to dealing with HIV stigma and discrimination are needed, especially to dispel myths of good and bad ways of contracting HIV. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]
Cover