OBJECTIVE To analyze the current status and patterns of occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among health care workers in a three-A hospital, and to provide a theoretical basis for optimizing occupational protection strategies for medical staff.

METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to collect and organize data related to HIV occupational exposure at Central Hospital of Suining from 2017 to 2024. The data included demographic characteristics of the exposed population, exposure details and time distribution. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to classify the distribution characteristics of categorical variables, and time series analysis was employed to explore the occurrence patterns of exposure events and dynamically observe the trends in compliance with serum tracking tests.

RESULTS This study included a total of 116 cases of HIV occupational exposure incidents. The exposed population was primarily aged 25 to < 35 years (61.21%), female (69.83%), with less than 5 years of work experience (56.03%), and nursing positions (55.17%), and 93.10% of the exposed individuals had received occupational protection training. The high-frequency months of exposure incidents were mostly distributed in the middle of the year (from Apr. to Aug.) and at the end of the year (from Nov. to Dec.). The exposure locations were mainly concentrated in wards (56.90%) and operating rooms (30.17%). Sharp instrument injuries were the most common type of exposure, including pricking injuries (44.83%) and sharp instrument cuts (19.83%). 75 cases of sharp instrument injuries occurred mainly on the hands, and only 45 cases (60.00%) adopted the "squeeze-rinse-disinfect" disposal measures. The implementation rate of post-exposure prophylactic medication was 47.41%. The compliance with serum tracking tests significantly decreased over time, with the highest test completion rate within 24 hours after exposure (90.52%), but only 50.00% at the 6th month.

CONCLUSIONS HIV occupational exposure exhibits significant clustering among specific populations and high-risk procedures, and the compliance with post-exposure disposal and follow-up needs further enhancement.