Occupational health and safety: educational intervention for cleaning workers in research sectors

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the results of educational intervention on health and safety regarding principles of biosafety in cleaning workers of a health institution. Materials and methods. Using concurrent mixed methods, we evaluated a total of 31 workers on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of biosafety and risk perception. We conducted baseline measurements and two follow-ups. Fractional logistic regression models were fitted with study stage as covariate. Additional models included interactions of study stage with key workers characteristics. Thematic qualitative analysis and triangulation was developed. Results. The knowledge (+33.3 points, scale 0-100), attitudes (+10.6), and practices (+23.5) increased significantly in the first follow-up; knowledge de- creased in the second follow-up (p<0.001). The qualitative findings revealed an improvement in risk prevention attitudes and practices, framed by experiences of vulnerability, stigma, and discrimination. Conclusions. The study provides key elements for biosafety research related to vulnerable groups and it is effective in promoting the health of a disadvantaged and invisible sector.

Keywords

• evaluación
• educación en salud
• bioseguridad
• promoción de la salud
• salud laboral