Occupational health hazards and their effects on the health of nurses at Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Occupational health hazards in hospital setting can be dangerous substances that cause physical or emotional harm to the healthcare workers. Nurses are exposed to job-related health hazards which may include biological, chemical and physical threats while performing their daily responsibilities. They are also exposed to bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B and C viruses and human immunodeficiency virus. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the occupational health hazards and their effects on the health of nurses at Mankweng Hospital. Methodology: A quantitative research method using cross-sectional descriptive plan was used for the study. Stratified random sampling was utilized to sample 237 nurses who would contribute to the study. Questionnaires were used for data gathering and permission was granted by Department of Health Limpopo and Mankweng hospital. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 26.0 and presented in the form of table and charts. Chi-square test was utilized to determine the relationship between back injuries, prolonged night shifts and lifting of patients and heavy equipment. Results: The outcomes of the study presented that 17.7% of respondents were male and 82.3% of respondents were females. The results showed that 72.8% of respondents were exposed to drugs or disinfectants, theatre gases or D-germ. It was showed that 59.0% of respondents were exposed to patient body fluids. The findings of the study reported that work relationship with other colleague can affect work performance and 63.3% of respondents experienced backache as a result of prolonged night shift. Recommendations: Strategies to minimize the occupational hazards should be developed to protect the health of the nurses from their effects.