Knowledge Regarding Needle Stick Injury & use of Personal Protective Equipment among Nurses at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka

Abstract

Background: Health care workers are at increased risk of acquiring blood-borne infections as they are occupationally exposed to blood and body fluidsoccupational hazards such as needle stick injuries, sharps injury. Properly use of Personal Protective Equipment or PPE to help protect health care workers. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the level of Knowledge Regarding Needle Stick Injury & use of Personal Protective Equipment among Nurses at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Methods & materials: The study was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from January to December 2021. The study included purposively selected 200 nurses who are directly works with patients. Data were collected by face-to-face interview with a pretested, semi- structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Data were analyzed by current Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Informed written consent was taken from each nurse. Results: The study findings show that, among 200 respondents, 65% had good knowledge about Needle sticks injury, 30% had average knowledge and only 5% had poor knowledge about Needle sticks injury and 56% had good knowledge about personal protective equipment, 26% had average knowledge and only 18% had poor knowledge regarding personal protective equipment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Conclusion: In conclusion, the best way to reduce NSI is to impart knowledge and awareness about it. Reporting of sharp injuries, preventive measures and post exposure prophylaxis and follow up should be the core issues to Infection prevention and control.