OCCUPATIONAL SHARP INJURIES IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS; RESULTS FROM EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND EL-MINIA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: One of the potential occupational hazards for health care workers (HCWs)is sharps injuries especially needle stick injuries (NSIs). These hazards are influenced by numerous factors including setting, environmental factors, staffing levels, type of procedures, devices and equipment.Aim of work:To determine the frequency, characteristics and determinants of occupational sharp injuries in HCWs.Subjects and Methods:This study is a cross-sectional study; involved 160 HCWs employed in jobs with potential exposure to sharps injuries. Data were collected by questionnaire that included demographics, occupation categories; shift work,knowledge of prevention measures and details of sharp injuries.Results: The results showed that 40% of HCWs were > 30ys old; (57.5%) females;(70%) married; and (77.5%) academic workers. Occupational categories showed (45%)nurses; (26.3%) physicians (surgeons and others), (17.5%) technicians, (11.2%) cleaners and (51.9%) working a shift work day and night (rotating shifts). The majority (40.6%)have < 10 years in service and (71.3%) not trained about precautions. Surveyed HCWs,admitted sharp injuries in (42.5%) with reporting percent of 11.8 as they don’t know(18%) or lack of direction (57%). Injuries caused by hollow bored needles (29.2%),stabs, scalpel (30.8%) and others (40%).Conclusion:The frequency of sharp injuries among HCWs is high and reporting is low and awareness of protection is very low. The data showed that continued training effort, need to be directed toward new HCWs ; this research, also points to the need for better safety devices products and work practices to reduce suture related injuries.