Trends of voluntary reporting of needlestick injuries and hepatitis B vaccination status among health-care workers of a tertiary health care center in Puducherry

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Health-care workers (HCWs) can sustain needlestick injuries (NSIs) during patient care activities and are at a greater risk of exposure to blood-borne infectious agents such as HBV, HCV, and HIV, among which only HBV has an effective vaccine. Unfortunately, both the voluntary reporting rates of NSIs and HBV vaccination coverage among HCWs have been generally low. This study aims to analyze the trends of voluntary reporting of NSIs and the HBV vaccination status among the HCWs of our tertiary health care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted between January 2016 and July 2018 at a tertiary health care center in Puducherry. A standard pro forma was filled by all HCWs reporting NSIs. HIV, hepatitis B virus surface antigen, and hepatitis C virus were tested using rapid card tests, and anti-hepatitis B surface titers were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: A total of 83 incidents of NSIs were reported. Nursing staffs reported the maximum number of incidents followed by students. About 42 incidents of NSI were reported in the year 2018 compared to 26 and 15 incidents reported in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Only 37 HCWs had taken the complete course of HBV vaccine. CONCLUSION: This study shows an increase in the voluntary reporting of NSIs by the HCWs, but the HBV vaccination status among them was found to be low.

The study of prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among healthcare workes in tertiary care hospital, Navi Mumbai

“…The study conducted by Thiyagarajan M et al showed that nursing staffs were the most commonly reported sharp/needle stick injury (44.6%) followed by students (14.5%) and janitors (13.3%). 9 Another study by Goel V et al reported that a large number of the sharp/NSIs incidents among doctors (73.7%) followed by interns (7.4%), and faculty members (1.1%). Interestingly, only 19.1% nurses reported injuries, while 3.2% of the exposed HCWs were hospital waste disposal staff, not involved directly in patient care or surgical procedures.…”

Adherence to multidose Hepatitis B vaccination in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Retrospective Cohort Study

“…Due to contact of non-intact skin or mucous membranes with tears, saliva or blood containing HBVinfected secretions or through sharing of toothbrushes horizontal transmission occurs. 14 There is even chance that patients remain asymptomatic for years and unknowingly may transmit the infection to others via perinatally, percutaneously, sexually , or through close person-to-person contact (e.g., open cuts and sores). 4…”

“…Out of 35 million health-care workers (HCWs) around 2million sustain NSIs every year, as a result of which they are at risk of exposure to blood-borne infectious agents including HBV. 14 Through NSIs risk of transmission of HBV is (6%-30%). 5,14 As compared to adult general population, HCWs are four fold more at risk of acquiring the Hepatitis B infection.…”

“…14 Through NSIs risk of transmission of HBV is (6%-30%). 5,14 As compared to adult general population, HCWs are four fold more at risk of acquiring the Hepatitis B infection. 3,5,11 After percutaneous exposure to blood the risk of infection with hepatitis B is about 30%.…”

“…received two doses whereas and 6(40%) were vaccinated with only one dose. 14 Kumar S et al in their study found that 46.2%, 12%, 41% HCW fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, not vaccinated respectively. 16 Hussain S et al had complete immunization rate of 57.6%, partial 18.5% and non vaccinated 24% respectively.…”