Awareness of Surgical Hazard Risks amongst Final-Year Medical Students in Enugu State, Nigeria

Background: Medical students represent a population that is at high risk for surgical hazards in the course of their medical education. It is therefore essential for them to have adequate information regarding possible hazards as well as risk reduction precautions to take. Objective: This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge and awareness level of medical students at the University of Nigeria, Enugu, about surgical hazards as well as identify their various views towards hazard risk reduction. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 133 final year medical students at the University of Nigeria, Enugu, in Enugu State. Data was collected using digitalized self-administered questionnaire (Google Form) and a descriptive and inferential analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). Consent was obtained from all respondents. Results: A total of 133 final year medical students filled and submitted the form, with a response rate of 71%. Majority (72.2%) of the respondents were aware of chemical hazards during surgery, 94% of respondents were aware of equipment-related hazards in surgery. 92.5% were aware about needle-stick injuries while 76.7% were aware about radiation exposure risks. Only 67% had suggestions for risk reduction measures which included wearing of protective work wears, proper labelling and careful use of chemicals, proper handling and use of equipment with increased education on the prevention of surgical hazard risks. Conclusion: The knowledge levels regarding risk reduction measures amongst the medical students though satisfactory could be significantly improved upon. Recommendation: We recommend that the bodies in charge of medical education in Nigeria consider strengthening training regarding surgical hazards and infection prevention practices.