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IntroductionCurrently, needlestick injuries (NSIs) are one of the most important occupational hazards among healthcare workers (HCWs) globally. According to WHO, more than two million occupational exposures to sharp injuries occur among 35 million HCWs annually [1].NSIs increase the risk of over 20 types of infectious diseases among HCWs, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV [2]. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) reports, there are more than 385,000 and 1,000,000 NSIs cases annually among hospital HCWs in the United States and Europe, respectively [3,4]. WHO statistics also show that NSIs cause 16,000, 66,000, and 1,000 cases of HCV, HBV, and HIV per year among HCWs, respectively [5]. The prevalence of various infectious diseases due to NSIs among HCWs is not a single and integrated phenomenon, rather is affected by several factors, such as vaccination rates among HCWs, access to appropriate worker protection

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor health outcomes, underlining the significance of early identification and intervention. Currently, there is no validated tool to screen for ACEs exposure in childhood. To fill this gap, we designed and implemented a pediatric ACEs questionnaire in an urban pediatric Primary Care Clinic. Questionnaire items were selected and modified based on literature review of existing childhood adversity tools. Children twelve years and under were screened via caregiver report, using the developed instrument. Cognitive interviews were conducted with caregivers, health providers, and clinic staff to assess item interpretation, clarity, and English/Spanish language equivalency. Using a rapid cycle assessment, information gained from the interviews were used to iteratively change the instrument. Additional questions assessed acceptability of screening within primary care and preferences around administration. Twenty-eight (28) caregivers were administered the questionnaire. Cognitive interviews conducted among caregivers and among 16 health providers and clinic staff resulted in the changes in wording and addition of examples in the items to increase face validity. In the final instrument, no new items were added; however, two items were merged and one item was split into three separate items. While there was a high level of acceptability of the overall questionnaire, some caregivers reported discomfort with the sexual abuse, separation from caregiver, and community violence items. Preference for methods of administration were split between tablet and paper formats. The final Pediatric ACE and other Determinants of Health Questionnaire is a 17-item instrument with high face validity and acceptability for use within primary care settings. Further evaluation on the reliability and construct validity of the instrument is being conducted prior to wide implementation in pediatric practice.