Study to Evaluate Prevalence, Knowledge and Awareness of Needle Stick Injury among Dental and Nursing:Under Graduate Students

Abstract

Introduction: Blood borne pathogens such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B and C viruses are commonly transmitted through needle stick injuries (NSI). Health care workers are the most commonly affected group of people. This study was conducted to test the prevalence, knowledge and awareness among the Dental and Nursing students. Material and Method: Cross sectional study was done among dental and nursing students. Data was collected through questionnaire and analyzed. Total 410 students participated in the survey, (160 Dental students and 250 Nursing) students . Results: The nursing students were affected frequently by NSI compared to dental students. 82.76% nursialth care department. Conclusion: The prevalence of NSI was higher in nursing students compared to dental students. Both dental and nursing students lacked the knowledge and awareness about the NSI reporting. Reinforcement of the importance of reporting NSI, knowledge about the management of the same, following the guidelines of universal precautions and proper biomedical waste disposal method especially of the sharps and needles through formulated training programs designed for students would considerably reduce the risk of NSI and transmission of infection.