IJCM_321A: Circumstances and Distribution of Needle Stick Injuries among Healthcare Workers in a Medical College of Kolkata

Abstract

Background: Needle-stick injuries (NSI) are common among Health- Care workers (HCWs) during execution of their patient care services and have been recognized as an important source of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Considerable number of NSIs are not reported which prevents injured HCWs from receiving post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against HIV, Hepatitis B and C. Objective: To assess the circumstances and reporting of Needle -stick Injuries and its association with service related and demographic variables of healthcare workers in a tertiary level hospital of Eastern India. Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based study. The study was conducted among 108 healthcare workers from 20th July to 20th August. Data were collected on Socio-demographic, Service related and events of Needle Stick Injuries and their reporting by an interviewer administered schedule. Results: About 72% study participants suffered from needle stick injury in last one year, 53.85% of them had a single event of NSI and 64% of NSI victims reported the event. Gender, educational status, occupation, vaccination status against Hep B, shift of duty during last NSI, place of last NSI were significantly associated (p value). Conclusion: Incidents of needle stick injuries were more among doctors. Participants completely vaccinated with Hep B vaccine suffered lower number of NSI.