Sharp Injuries and Associated Factors Among Health Care Professionals in Western Wollega Public Hospitals, West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Sharp injuries (SIs) are wounds caused by sharp instruments accidentally puncturing the skin. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess magnitude of sharp injuries and associated factors among health care professionals in western “wollega” public Hospitals, west Ethiopia. Methods: Facility based cross- sectional study design was used in western “Wollega” zone public hospitals from February 10 to March 12, 2015. All health care professionals available during the study period were included in the study. Data were entered in to SPSS for windows version 16.0 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model was done to identify independent effects of each predictor. Result: The prevalence of sharp injuries among health care professionals in western wollega public hospitals is 56 (32.9%). The prevalence of sharp injuries was higher among diploma nurses (40.5%), followed by laboratory technicians and diploma midwifery respectively. The sharp injuries experienced in the last one year were related to recapping of needle (53.6%), 48.2% during suturing, and failure to adhere to Universal precautions (33.9%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the most important risk factor for sharp injuries were lack of training (Adjusted Odds Ratio=15.6), working experience 10 injection per day (Adjusted Odds Ratio=13), working more than 35 hours per week (Adjusted Odds Ratio=8.22), negative attitude (AOR=8.6), poor practice of universal precautions (Adjusted Odds Ratio=6.6), night shift work (Adjusted Odds Ratio=6.6) and recapping of needle most of the time (Adjusted Odds Ratio=9.9). Conclusion and recommendation: The prevalence of sharp injury in western wollega public hospitals is 56 (32.9%) within the last one year. Lack of training, hours worked per week, number of injection per day, work experience, poor practice, negative attitude, night shift work and recapping of needle were identified as risk factors for sharp injuries. Further prospective studies on large scale are recommended to determine the cause and effect relationship of factors affecting sharp injuries among HCPs in hospital setting.