Abstract :
Introduction: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) as defined by accidentally puncture the skin by needles. The occupational exposures to NSIs are considered to be much higher in the developing world and multiple risk factors eg. improper use of protective equipment (like failure to use suitable-sized gloves), working in surgical or intensive care units, insufficient work experience, young age, needle recapping, unsuitable needle disposal, intravenous cannulation may contribute to NSIs.
Aim: To determine the occurrence/ prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries (NSIs) among healthcare workers working in a tertiary care hospital and the factors responsible for NSIs.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital among HCws in the hospital over a period of one year Jan 2020-December 2020.
Results: Nursing staffs are most frequently reported NSI. Among the groups, most common cause of NSIs was found to be recapping of needle followed by cleaning, HGT and procedure. The most common cause of NSI among housekeeping staffs found to be needle lying on the floor and accidental mixing of sharp biomedical waste with other waste. The HCWs from critical care unit eg. ICUs are the most commonly reported NSIs
Conclusions: HCWs are always at high risk of attaining NSIs. The nursing staffs followed are the most vulnerable group who gets the sharp/NSI and require extra attention. As a preventive measures regular training and education of nursing staffs and all other categories of health care workers to be ensured in healthcare settings.
Keyword :
Needle stick injury, Recapping, Healthcare worker, Risk factors