Organizations Affiliated to the Authors:Ethiopian Public Health Institute, P.O.Box 1242 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia International Primary Health Care, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa
Status:Open Access
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.
