Needlestick Injuries in Healthcare Workers in the North East of Iran

Abstract

Introduction: Needle-stick injuries are the second most commonly reported adverse incident and constitute a major hazard for the transmission of blood transmitted diseases. The incidence of Needle stick is higher than the reported cases in different countries. Reporting of these exposures is often a challenge for HCWs (health care workers). This article describes the prevalence of occupational injuries caused by contacting patients with needle and sharp objects and fluids of the patients’ body fluids in HCWs. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study has been conducted in 4 hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of medical sciences, Iran during 2008-2015. We assessed self-reported occupational exposures in HCWs includes nurse, physician, medical student and other. Results:Among the HCWs with NSIs, other personnel includes paramedics, assistants, crew, midwife, operation room personnel, and laboratory, radiology and physiotherapy personnel had the highest percentage of needle stick contact , followed by nurses. Self-reporting of needle-stick has been growing in this period. In this study, the hepatitis B immunity in sharps injury recipients was 90-95% in 2015. Conclusion: The prevalence of needle stick in HCWs is high. Preventive strategies had to be devised. Use of safety engineering devices, to encourage recording and reporting of incidents, hepatitis B immunity, serological tests, follow-up post exposure, training in precaution standard is necessary for HCWs and medical students.