Knowledge about occupational exposure to needlestick injuries and its prevalence among health-care providers of a tertiary care teaching hospital - A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Needlestick injury (NSI) is an occupational health hazard and it is most common among health-care workers (HCWs). In India, 20,000 incidents of NSIs are estimated annually by the ICMR. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of NSIs, knowledge of NSI prevention, and factors affecting NSIs among HCWs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at C U Shah Medical College and Hospital, Surendranagar, Gujarat, India, from July 01, 2022, to August 31, 2022. The study population included resident doctors and nursing staff working at the hospital. Out of 116 resident doctors, 110 were selected according to their convenience. Similarly, out of 187 nursing staffs, 150 were selected. Total study participants were 260. Data were collected using personal interviews through pretested, close-ended structured questionnaire which was filled by interviewer. The data extracted were tabulated; statistical analysis was performed; and frequencies, percentages, and prevalence were calculated using Microsoft Excel version 21. Results: This study found that the prevalence of NSIs was 58%. Knowledge regarding occupational exposure to NSIs as well as its preventive measures were high among study participants. Awareness about its reporting and post-exposure prophylaxis following NSIs was low among study participants. Conclusion: Display of standard operating procedures in high-risk clinical setting and periodic training of preventive measures among health-care providers will make them more attentive to NSIs.