Epidemiological Profile Of Occupational Accidents With Exposure To Biological Material In Palmas - TO, In The Period From 2013 To 2023.

Abstract

Occupational accidents involving exposure to biological material (AT-BIO) represent a significant public health issue due to the risk of infection transmission and psychosocial consequences for workers. This study analyzed the epidemiological profile of AT-BIO among residents of Palmas–TO, Brazil, from 2013 to 2023. A descriptive, retrospective study with a quantitative approach was conducted using secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), accessed through DATASUS. A total of 1,380 cases were reported, predominantly among women (79.2%), nursing professionals (53.9%), and individuals aged 20–34 years (49.1%). Percutaneous exposure was the most frequent type (84.9%), mainly involving hollow-bore needles (62.0%) and blood as the biological material (80.1%). Low issuance of the Occupational Accident Report (26.8%), a high rate of post-exposure follow-up abandonment (27.1%), and substantial incompleteness in serological records were observed. These findings reveal weaknesses in surveillance and clinical monitoring processes, highlighting the need to strengthen institutional biosafety measures, improve data quality, and enhance adherence to post-exposure follow-up in order to reduce occupational risks and improve worker health protection.

Keywords: Biological material. Occupational accidents. Health worker.