The characteristics of occupational tuberculosis risk in healthcare workers. (7th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zein, Rizqy Amelia; Wulandari, Ratna Dwi; Ridlo, Ilham Akhsanu; Hendriani, Wiwin; Suhariadi, Fendy; Rianto, Anang
• Is Part Of: International journal of health planning and management. Volume 37:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 2669
• Page End: 2683
• Publication Date: 2022-05-07
• Subjects: healthcare workers -- nosocomial TB -- psychometric paradigm -- risk characteristics -- risk perceptions; Health planning -- Periodicals; Health services administration -- Periodicals; Santé publique -- Planification -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Administration -- Périodiques; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3489
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0749-6753

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains to be one of the most common causes of morbidity worldwide, but the discourse of its prevention has disproportionately singled out the occupational risks that affect healthcare workers. In this research, we aimed to: (1) investigate the underlying factor structure of Risk Characteristics (RC), specifically the risk of nosocomial TB transmission in health care facilities; (2) estimate the effects of work‐related determinants and RC on risk perception; and (3) compare occupational risk perception of contracting TB with expert risk assessment. Method: A paper‐based questionnaire was administered to 179 health care workers (HCWs) working at 10 public health centres and two hospitals in Surabaya, Indonesia. We analysed our data using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to unravel the latent structure of RC and structural equation modelling (SEM) to identify determinants of risk perceptions. Results: EFA revealed a two‐factor solution for nine qualitative RC: controllability of damage and knowledge‐evoked dread. Our SEM analysis found evidence that the controllability aspect of the TB risk was a more profound determinant in predicting risk perception than knowledge‐evoked dread, implying that HCWs might benefit from training aims to increase their beliefs on the controllability of TB risk despite its severity. Conclusion: Although further research is necessary, our study highlights the importance of addressing occupational risk perceptions in health facilities, encouraging HCWs to become more active in advocating for the necessary allocation of resources for their workplaces, and raising communities' awareness of TB transmissions. Highlights: TB prevention in healthcare settings has often ruled out risk perceptions. Risk Characteristics (RC) of nosocomial tuberculosis (TB) risks were condensed into two‐factor solutions. Believing that TB risk is dreadful but possible to control predicted risk perceptions. Increasing the beliefs on the controllability of TB risk should be a priority.