Abstract
BackgroundOur study sought to determine the frequency of Needlestick injuries (NSIs) among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) working at governmental hospital and to study the factors that associated with occurrence of NSIs, and to develop recommendations for a comprehensive program for prevention.MethodsRetrospective study of all reported cases of NSIs in the period from April 2016 to May 2018 among healthcare workers at a governmental hospital.ResultsIncidence of NSIs over 26 months was 8.4% among all participants. Nurses were the most affected staff (52.5%) resulted commonly from disposing syringes (58.9%). In contrast, the incidence of NSIs among physicians was 24.9% where surgical devices were the primary source of NSIs among them (40%). Failure to complete all required hepatitis B vaccination was common among expatriates of the participants of this study.ConclusionsNSIs was common among HCWs participated in this study. Preventive measures should be implemented including adequate hepatitis B immunization.
Highlights
Needlestick injuries (NSIs) exposing workers to blood borne pathogens pose a major risk to healthcare workers
This study of a large Saudi Arabia Medical Center describes characteristics and factors associated with NSIs
Our data indicated that sharp device injuries were frequent among the participants were nurses account for proportion of NSIs
Summary
Needlestick injuries (NSIs) exposing workers to blood borne pathogens pose a major risk to healthcare workers. These incidents can transmit many blood-born infectious diseases, especially viruses. Sharps and needlestick injuries are wounds caused by needles and other sharp medical instruments (e.g., scalpel, blades, and scissors) that accidentally puncture or cut the skin. Sharps and needles may only cause small wounds in the skin, but the effects can be worse Such instruments come in contact with blood and other body fluids and may carry the risk of infections. If contaminated device punctures skin of healthcare workers (HCWs), they face a high risk of occupational exposure to infected, hazardous fluids. Our study sought to determine the frequency of Needlestick injuries (NSIs) among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) working at governmental hospital and to study the factors that associated with occurrence of NSIs, and to develop recommendations for a comprehensive program for prevention
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
