Epidemiology of Needle Sticks and Sharp Injuries Among Nurses in an Iranian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction:: Needle stick injuries (NSI) are major occupational hazards for health care workers. Objectives:: This study aimed to determine the Epidemiology of needle sticks and sharp injuries among nurses of an Iranian Teaching Hospital. Materials and Methods:: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009 on 328 nurses in a health center in Tehran. Stratified random samples were selected among the staff. Data were collected through a questionnaire prepared for this study and were analyzed with the SPSS software version 15, by using descriptive and analytical statistical methods. Results:: The results showed that 45.12% of the employees' occupational injuries were caused by sharp objects. Regarding the type of device, needle and angiocath needle had caused the most serious injuries with a frequency of 43.91% and 29.05%, respectively. After the injury incidence, 41.87% of the health staff only washed the injury area with adequate soap and water and 76.82% of the nurses have received the hepatitis B vaccination. The injury mostly occurred in the emergency department due to the overcrowding in the ward and the staff fatigue. There were significant associations between the staff age as well as the ward with the extent of injuries. Conclusions:: Needle stick injuries are common among nurses and are often not reported. Improved standard infection control precautions (SICPs) policy and reporting strategies are needed in order to increase occupational safety for nurses.