EXPOSIÇÃO OCUPACIONAL A MATERIAIS BIOLÓGICOS: UM ESTUDO COM RESIDENTES MÉDICOS NO BRASIL

Introduction: Occupational Accidents with Exposure to Biological Material (OAEBM) represent a significant threat to the health of healthcare professionals and are a global public health concern. Studies have shown that medical residents, due to their training phase and involvement in invasive procedures, are particularly vulnerable to needlestick and sharps injuries, exacerbated by hospital-related stress.The objective of the study was to analyze the prevalence of percutaneous injuries with the risk of exposure to biological material among medical residents in Brazil from 2020 to 2024. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of needlestick and sharps injuries among medical residents in Brazil, using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) for the period from 2020 to 2024. Results: Surgical procedures consistently represented the primary cause of occupational accidents related to exposure to biological material. In 2020, these procedures accounted for 61% of cases. In 2021, there was a slight reduction to 56%, but surgical procedures remained the main cause. In 2022, the percentage rose to 58%, remained constant in 2023, and showed a slight reduction of 1% in 2024. Despite the minor annual variation, surgical procedures continued to be the leading cause of such accidents. Conclusion: The data highlight the importance of reinforcing preventive measures, especially for medical residents due to their limited practical experience. Regular training, adherence to safety protocols, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are crucial. Continuous data analysis helps identify and mitigate emerging risks.