Needle Stick and Sharps Injuries; Frequency and the Factors Contributing Among Health Care Workers of a Tertiary Care Private Hospital of Lahore

Abstract

ABSTRACT… Background: This study, therefore aims to assess the frequency and the factors contributing to the needle stick injuries among health care workers of a tertiary care private hospital of Lahore. Setting: Shalamar Hospital Lahore, Pakistan a tertiary care private institution. Period: July and August 2015. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A modified structured pre-tested questionnaire containing both open and close-ended questions was administered to 160 study participants. The selected candidates were thoroughly briefed about the study and informed consent was obtained. Confidentiality and anonymity of the participants was maintained. Data entry was done on SPSS version 20 for Microsoft Windows. Results: The response rate was 97%. Among all respondents (n=122), almost 41% (n= 63) were medical doctors and 34% (n= 53) were nursing staff. A small proportion of 4% (n= 6) belonged to the dental surgical background as well. Of all the surveyed participants, 45% (n=69) had ever suffered from needle stick/ sharps injury during their medical job and career, whereas, 34% (n=53) had suffered from a needle stick injury during the last year. Nearly 63% (n=47) reported that the cause of injury was accidental, 16% (n=25) acknowledged lack of awareness, 7% (n=10) acknowledged improper equipment and 4% (n=6) accused lack of training as the major cause of needle stick injuries. A hefty 34% (n=53) believed that there existed no protocols in the institution regarding needle stick injuries, while another 50% (n=78) stated that they were not aware of the hospital protocols regarding needle stick injuries if there existed any. A disturbing 34% (n=53) assume that they should recap the needles after using them. There was a strong statistical association p<.001 between establishment of hospital protocols regarding needle stick or sharps injury and an event of needle stick injury suffered by the health care workers during last year. Conclusion: The needle stick injuries can be prevented by the eradication of hazard causing equipment's, prevention through engineering measures, administrative controls and last but not the least personal protective measures. Key words:Needle Stick Injury, Sharps Injury, Health-Care Workers (HCW).