Background: Peri-Operating Nurses (PONs) are exposed to various hazards in ORs which can affect their health.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify potential occupational hazards in the Operating Room (OR), to assess risk of adverse health effects among (PONs) related to these hazards and to recommend prevention and control measures to protect nurses in Benha University Hospitals.
Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted all nurses staff working in ORs in Benha University Hospitals, Qualubeyia Governorate, Egypt, over the period between the beginning of March to 31thAugust 2016. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire which collected information on demographic data and work situation, occupational hazards in ORs based on the International Hazard Datasheet on Operating room nurse, which was developed by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Data on attitude towards OR hazards and their impacts on PONs were also obtained
Results: The study recruited 167 female nurses. Their mean age was 32.77±8.42 years old. 82% of them were scrubbing nurses. The majority of the studied nurses were acquainted with the concept of OR occupational hazards; thought that OR is a working environment with multiple hazard factors and that they were more vulnerable than others. The majority of the studied nurses reported that they were adversely affected by OR occupational hazards. The risk of exposure was high for radiation and blood and contracting nosocomial diseases. The risk was significant for exposure to anesthetic drugs and gases, latex allergy and muscle pain due to awkward body positions.
Conclusion: The complex structure of operating rooms lead to increased occupational hazards which affect operating room nurses’ health.
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