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Abstract
Background:Surgeons are one of the groups, most highly exposed to the risk of needle stick injuries at work. The present study aims to determine the prevalence and reporting of needle stick injuries during the first 6 months of 2012, in faculty surgeons affiliated to the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences.Methods:In a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical survey, 29 surgeons were studied based on the census method. A reliable and valid questionnaire was used as a research instrument to collect the data. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.16 and based on descriptive and inferential statistics.Results:Among 29 recruited surgeons, 5 (17.2%) had needle stick injuries during the 6 months, only one of whom had followed the established guidelines about reporting and following treatment. The most common instrument causing injury was the suture needle (60%). Significant differences were found in both groups of the injured and non-injured in term of gender (X2=5.612, P=0.003), and number of patients (Z=2.40, P=0.016) and daily working hours (Z=2.85, P=0.04).Conclusions:In relation to the relatively high prevalence of needle stick injuries among the surgeons and their lack of reporting, it is suggested that the Safety Guidelines in the operating room are carefully observed. Moreover, safer and lower risk surgical Instruments should be used.
Highlights
Surgeons are one of the groups, most highly exposed to the risk of needle stick injuries at work
In relation to the relatively high prevalence of needle stick injuries among the surgeons and their lack of reporting, it is suggested that the Safety Guidelines in the operating room are carefully observed
The researchers believed that the relatively high prevalence of needle stick injuries in surgeons is due to exposure to instruments such as scalpels, suture needles and sharp forceps, as well as failure to follow the instructions and standards for correct use of the instruments, not wearing protective equipment and not disposing of sharp objects after use, all play an important role in increasing the risk of injury in surgeons
Summary
Surgeons are one of the groups, most highly exposed to the risk of needle stick injuries at work. Despite thorough precautions needle stick injuries cannot be avoided. These injuries can lead to transmission of blood-borne viral infections such as AIDS, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) to health care employees, patients and their family members. 6-30% of HBV transmissions, 5-10% of HCV infections and 0.03% AIDS transmission are due to needle stick injuries (Askarian & Malekmakan 2006; Thomas & Murray, 2009). Veeken et al (1991) and Rapparini (2006) stated that needle stick injuries are the most common cause of AIDS infection in health care workers (Rapparini, 2006; Veeken et al, 1991) 6-30% of HBV transmissions, 5-10% of HCV infections and 0.03% AIDS transmission are due to needle stick injuries (Askarian & Malekmakan 2006; Thomas & Murray, 2009). Veeken et al (1991) and Rapparini (2006) stated that needle stick injuries are the most common cause of AIDS infection in health care workers (Rapparini, 2006; Veeken et al, 1991)
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