Qualitative study on the biological hazards associated with mortuary work: the Ghanaian perspective

Workplace safety and health are significant public health concerns for maintaining a low-risk environment. In Africa and Ghana, most mortuaries are not well resourced, nor do they follow universal standard precautions for infection prevention. As a result, mortuary attendants are exposed to numerous...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of hospital infection 2022-04, Vol.122, p.126-132
Main Authors: Dartey, A.F., Dzansi, G., Akortiakumah, J.K., Asiamah, E.A., Raji, A.S., Osei, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological hazards
Blood-borne infections
Exposure
Ghana
Humans
Infection Control
Mortuary attendants
Personal Protective Equipment
Qualitative Research
Workplace
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Summary:Workplace safety and health are significant public health concerns for maintaining a low-risk environment. In Africa and Ghana, most mortuaries are not well resourced, nor do they follow universal standard precautions for infection prevention. As a result, mortuary attendants are exposed to numerous biological hazards that threaten their health and well-being, and cause anxiety about contracting infectious diseases while attending to corpses. To explore the biological hazards faced by mortuary attendants in Ghana in three selected regions. A qualitative research approach was used, together with an exploratory, descriptive design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate the biological hazards faced by mortuary attendants. Purposive sampling was used, and saturation was reached with 19 participants. Most mortuary attendants reported exposure to infections through direct contact with bodily fluids. In addition, exposure to potentially contaminated syringes and needles, non-adherence to universal standard precautions for corpse handling, and the poor condition of storage systems and the work environment increase the risk of infection. Mortuary attendants are exposed to biological hazards such as human immunodeficiency virus and other blood-borne diseases, making them hesitant to work and affecting their concentration. This study recommends the urgent provision of functioning cold rooms to preserve the integrity of corpses, personal protective equipment, and adequate training of mortuary attendants on universal standard precautions to improve working environments.
ISSN:0195-6701
1532-2939
DOI:10.1016/j.jhin.2022.01.005