PDF(Pubmed)
Abstract：
Introduction Veterinarians and other professionals who interact with animals on a daily basis encounter an elevated risk of exposure to both known and as-yet-undiscovered microbial agents. Additionally, they are also exposed to physical, chemical, and environmental hazards. Enhancing occupational health and safety in this context carries significant global significance. Methods This study aimed to comprehensively identify and outline the various biological, physical, chemical, and environmental health threats that were encountered by veterinarians in Saudi Arabia. To achieve this, we designed a self-completed questionnaire for 529 participants. The survey encompassed potential occupational hazards such as microbial diseases, injuries resulting from animal bites and scratches, allergies, and environmental risks like sunstroke and dust storms. Results Among the 529 participating veterinarians, 45.9% (243 individuals) reported instances of zoonotic diseases within the past five years. Notably, potential viral agents included Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, avian influenza, and foot-and-mouth disease virus. Bacterial diseases were also frequently documented, with brucellosis (18.7%) and salmonellosis (7.9%) being notable pathogens. Protozoal infections were led by Leishmaniosis, constituting the most commonly detected protozoa (29 /529, 5.5%). Interestingly, 345 (65.2%) of the individuals reported that they have experienced animal bites and scratches. Needle stick injuries were also a common occupational hazard, with an incidence rate of 19.1%. Additionally, chemical exposure was prevalent, particularly to disinfectants (57.5%) and veterinary drugs (23.4%). The study participants also reported their exposure to various environmental hazards, including sunstroke, dust, sandstorms, and heavy rains. Conclusion The findings of this study draw attention to a concerning trend among veterinarians in Saudi Arabia. Their personal health and safety appear to receive inadequate attention, potentially heightening the risk of occupationally related health hazards. These outcomes highlight the need for a reevaluation of safety protocols and infection control practices within the veterinary profession. The implications of this study can potentially inform the development of policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating occupationally related health hazards among veterinarians in Saudi Arabia.
摘要：
介绍兽医和其他专业人员谁与动物在日常基础上遇到暴露于已知和尚未发现的微生物剂的高风险。此外,他们也暴露在身体上，化学,和环境危害。在这方面加强职业健康和安全具有重大的全球意义。方法本研究旨在全面识别和概述各种生物,物理，化学,以及沙特阿拉伯兽医遇到的环境健康威胁。为了实现这一点，我们为529名参与者设计了一份自填问卷.调查包括潜在的职业危害，如微生物疾病，动物咬伤和抓伤造成的伤害,过敏,以及中暑和沙尘暴等环境风险。结果529名参与的兽医中,45.9%(243人)在过去五年内报告了人畜共患疾病。值得注意的是,潜在的病毒病原体包括中东呼吸综合征冠状病毒，禽流感,和口蹄疫病毒。细菌疾病也经常被记录下来，布鲁氏菌病(18.7%)和沙门氏菌病(7.9%)是显著的病原体。原虫感染是由利什曼病导致的，构成最常见的原生动物（29/529，5.5％）。有趣的是,345（65.2％）的个体报告说他们经历过动物咬伤和抓伤。针刺伤也是常见的职业危害,发病率为19.1%。此外,化学品暴露很普遍，特别是消毒剂(57.5%)和兽药(23.4%)。研究参与者还报告了他们暴露于各种环境危害的情况，包括中暑,灰尘,沙尘暴,和大雨。结论本研究的发现引起了人们对沙特阿拉伯兽医的关注趋势的关注。他们的人身健康和安全似乎没有得到足够的重视，可能会增加与职业相关的健康危害的风险。这些结果强调了在兽医行业内重新评估安全方案和感染控制实践的必要性。这项研究的影响可能为制定旨在减轻沙特阿拉伯兽医职业相关健康危害的政策和举措提供信息。
