Hepatitis B und C bei Beschäftigten im Gesundheitsdienst – Analyse eines Zeittrends über 25 Jahre
Related Research units
Abstract
Aim: We describe the development of occupational diseases related to hepatitis B (HB) and hepatitis C (HC) in Germany from 1996 to 2020. At the same time we examine which occupational groups and sectors are particularly affected.
Methods: We analysed routine data from the social accident insurance provider for the health and welfare sector (BGW). The number of recognised occupational diseases is presented, separated according to profession and sector.
Results: A total of 2,120 occupational diseases due to HB or HC were recognised over the past 25 years. HC cases were more common than HB cases. Women were more frequently affected than men (76.9 % vs. 23.1 %). Health care workers/nurses and hospitals accounted for the largest number of cases by profession and sector (38.3 % and 44.2 % respectively). From 1996 to 2000 the number of recognised cases was 692, and from 2016 to 2020 it was 99. This equates to a reduction of 85.7 %. Nurses and hospitals respectively benefited the most from this reduction.
Conclusions: The number of cases of transfusion-transmissible viral hepatitis is declining, which can probably be explained by improved preventative measures and protection in the workplace. However, the fact that 20 HB- or HC-related occupational diseases have occurred on average over the last five years should act as an incentive to further optimise the protection of employees.
Methods: We analysed routine data from the social accident insurance provider for the health and welfare sector (BGW). The number of recognised occupational diseases is presented, separated according to profession and sector.
Results: A total of 2,120 occupational diseases due to HB or HC were recognised over the past 25 years. HC cases were more common than HB cases. Women were more frequently affected than men (76.9 % vs. 23.1 %). Health care workers/nurses and hospitals accounted for the largest number of cases by profession and sector (38.3 % and 44.2 % respectively). From 1996 to 2000 the number of recognised cases was 692, and from 2016 to 2020 it was 99. This equates to a reduction of 85.7 %. Nurses and hospitals respectively benefited the most from this reduction.
Conclusions: The number of cases of transfusion-transmissible viral hepatitis is declining, which can probably be explained by improved preventative measures and protection in the workplace. However, the fact that 20 HB- or HC-related occupational diseases have occurred on average over the last five years should act as an incentive to further optimise the protection of employees.
Bibliographical data
| Translated title of the contribution | Hepatitis B and C among health care workers – Analysis of a 25-year time trend |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| ISSN | 0300-581X |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 03.2022 |
