Prevalence of occupational injury and associated factors among veterinary professionals in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Occupational injury is the major public health problem worldwide. There are a number of risk factors for occupational injury in veterinary practice but there is little information on the prevalence of injuries or the factors associated with the injury.

Objective: To assess prevalence of occupational injury and associated factors among veterinary professionals in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia.

Methods: Cross sectional study was undertaken from March to May 2014 in Addis Ababa city. Census survey was employed and veterinarians who are registered in Addis Ababa Agricultural Office were included for the study. The study was conducted among 162 veterinarians. The data were collected by using self-administered questionnaire.

Results: The overall prevalence of occupational injury among 162 veterinary professionals was found 74.7%. Occupational injury among government employees 88/162(54.3%) was higher as compared to private veterinarians 33/162(20.4%). The likelihood of having occupational injury among meat inspectors was less and reduces the risk of occupational injury by 97% (AOR=0.030; CI: 0.006, 0.142) as compared to veterinary clinicians. Individuals who have had a history of an emergency work were 9.2 times more likely to be injured that who did not have a history of emergency work. Veterinarians who use essential safety equipment during emergency work decreased the risk of injuries by 77%. The likelihood of having occupational injury among individuals who had an assistant during work and who gained safety training during work experiences decreased by 78% and 65% respectively.

Conclusion: High injury prevalence was found among all veterinarians in Addis Ababa city. Occupational injuries among government employed veterinarians are found higher than those in private works. Exposure to emergency work was a risk factor for injury. Use of safety equipment’s and history of safety training were protective factors.