A study to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice towards major bloodborne diseases and needle-stick injury protocols among second-year nursing students in selected nursing colleges of pune city

Abstract

Bloodborne pathogens, including Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. Needle sticks and other sharp related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first responders, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses, and other healthcare personnel, may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of second-year nursing students regarding major bloodborne diseases and needle stick injury protocols and to find the association between knowledge, attitude, and practice scores with demographic variables. The quantitative approach to be used is a non-experimental descriptive study, and the sampling method to be used is non-probability purposive sampling. Structured questionnaires, Likert scales, and checklists are used as tools, and statistical methods include Karl Pearson's test for correlation between variables and the chi-square test to test the association. The majority of students have an average level of knowledge, a neutral attitude, and very good practice methods in clinical areas. They also have an average level of knowledge, a neutral attitude, and very good practice skills in clinical areas regarding the prevention and precaution of major bloodborne diseases and needle stick injuries. The correlation between knowledge and attitude scores is found to be negative, while the correlation between knowledge and practice scores is positive and the correlation between attitude and practice scores is negative.