Occupational Health and Safety Knowledge Among Intern Doctors and an Evaluation of Occupational Accident Records

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the occupational health and safety (OHS) knowledge levels among intern doctors and to describe the distribution of occupational accidents involving intern doctors by type.
METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was administered to 109 intern doctors at the faculty of medicine of a state university, and 78 responded. The questionnaire included a 24-item knowledge test covering occupational safety (10 items) and occupational health (14 items). In addition, occupational accident records (n=180) maintained by the hospital's OHS Unit since its establishment were reviewed retrospectively. Descriptive statistics were used.
RESULTS: Of the participants, 19.2% reported having previously experienced an occupational accident. The mean percentage of correct answers was 35.4% for occupational safety items and 56.9% for occupational health items. The lowest proportions of correct answers were observed for items concerning the time allocated by occupational physicians (1.3%), the health effects of cotton dust (6.4%), and the distribution of occupational diseases in Türkiye (14.1%). Of the participants, 75.6% wanted OHS to be a compulsory course in medical faculties. Of the 180 recorded occupational accidents, 36.1% (n=65) involved intern doctors, of which 80.0% were needlestick injuries.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The OHS knowledge level among intern doctors was low, particularly with regard to legislation and occupational safety. Intern doctors accounted for a substantial proportion of occupational accidents in the hospital, most commonly needlestick injuries. Strengthening OHS training in medical education to cover legislation and the prevention of sharps injuries is recommended.

Keywords: Occupational health and safety, Needlestick injuries; Occupational injuries; Students, medical; Health knowledge, attitudes, practice