PREVALENCE, AWARENESS, AND FREQUENCY OF BIOLOGICAL RISK EXPOSURE AMONG HOSPITAL HOUSEKEEPERS IN OSHIMILI SOUTH, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

  • Jude Chukwuemeke Igborgbor University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State
  • Paul Nkem Diagboya Environmental Fate of Chemicals and Remediation (EnFaCRe) Laboratory, Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria
  • Gideon Ikechukwu Ogu Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State
  • Judith Chukwuebinim Okolo National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, FCT, Abuja
  • Abigail Obiageli Ofume Department Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Delta
  • Cynthia Nkonyeasua Igborgbor Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Asaba, Delta State
  • Lucy Unoma Oshilonyah Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Delta
  • Peculiar Oluebube Nwafor Department of Biology, Faculty of Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0908-3769
Keywords: Biological risk, Hospital housekeepers, Infection control training (IPC), Occupational hazards, Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Abstract

The health risks associated with to biological wastes in the job description of hospital housekeepers are often overlooked. Hospital housekeepers are constantly being exposed to biological hazards, but their job risks are frequently disregarded. This study evaluated the prevalence, awareness, and frequency of biological risk exposure among hospital housekeepers in Oshimili South, Delta State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct a cross-sectional survey of 120 randomly selected hospital housekeepers. Demographics, exposure to biological materials, use of personal protective equipments (PPE), health problems, and infection control training were all determined using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Majority of the respondents (54.2%) were females and between the ages of 31 to 40 (33.3%). Although, 85% were aware of biological dangers, only 50% had formal infection control training. Urine (76.7%), blood (73.3%), and faeces (69.2%) were the most common sources of exposure, with 56.7% of cases being accidental. Hand gloves usage was highest (86.7%) PPE known, but only 45% reported consistent PPE availability. Significant association were found between education level and awareness (x2 = 9.63, p = 0.008), exposure frequency and infection history (x2 = 10.25, p = 0.017), PPE availability and accidental exposure ( x2= 11.82, p = 0.009), as well as IPC training and infection history (x2 = 8.47, p = 0.037). There were no significant associations detected between gender and glove use, or marital status and symptom reporting. Targeted training and increased PPE access are critical for risk reduction among hospital housekeepers in the study area.

Author Biographies

Paul Nkem Diagboya, Environmental Fate of Chemicals and Remediation (EnFaCRe) Laboratory, Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria

Professor (Associate) Paul N. Diagboya
Affiliation: Environmental fate of chemicals and remediation (EnFaCRe) laboratory,
Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology,
University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria

Gideon Ikechukwu Ogu, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State
Dr. Gideon Ikechukwu OGU started his teaching career as a Graduate Assistant at the
Department of Biological Sciences, Novena University, Ogume, in 2007. Curranty,
he is a lecturer II at the Department of Microbiology, Federal University, Lokoja, where he
is actively involved in quality teaching, research and other administrative responsibilities.
His area of specialization in Microbiology is Environmental and Public Health. His main
area of interest focuses on Plant, Food/Water Microbiology, Environmental Pollution and
Management. His area of expertise includes Medicinal Plants, Pest Protection, and
Bioremediation and Public Risk assessment of hazards in food and water. He has published
more than 30 papers in local and international refereed journals. He is an editorial board
member of some international journals and also serves as a reviewer to some double-blind
peer review journals

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Published
2025-08-06
How to Cite
Igborgbor, J. C., Diagboya, P. N., Ogu, G. I., Okolo, J. C., Ofume, A. O., Igborgbor, C. N., Oshilonyah, L. U., & Nwafor, P. O. (2025). PREVALENCE, AWARENESS, AND FREQUENCY OF BIOLOGICAL RISK EXPOSURE AMONG HOSPITAL HOUSEKEEPERS IN OSHIMILI SOUTH, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA. FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 9(8), 55 - 64. https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0908-3769
Issue
Vol. 9 No. 8 (2025): FUDMA Journal of Sciences - Vol. 9 No. 8
Section
Research Articles

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