Abstract
Background: Accidents with sharp objects and needlesticks are a global issue. Healthcare workers are frequently vulnerable to a range of hospital-acquired infections. Objectives: The study aimed to determine the incidence rate and associated factors of needlesticks and sharps injuries among healthcare workers. Methods: A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study design study was conducted in five public hospitals in Rania governorate, Iraq. The data was retrieved from the hospital's record of the infection prevention and control department from August 2022 to February 2023 period. The healthcare workers are based on the three categories (Nurses, Physicians, and Laboratory staff). Data was collected using a self-report questionnaire, which was developed based on previous studies with similar objectives and validated by experts in the field. Results: The study discovered that the frequency of needlestick and sharps injuries was 58.6% among healthcare workers and most of them were injured 2-5 times 58.9%. The highest number of needlestick and sharps injury cases were reported among nurses 66.7%. Syringe needle was the predominant medical tool involved in the injuries, accounting for 82%. A minority of the study participants experienced medical sharp cutting of 15%. The major medical sharp objectives involved in the incident were; ampules 66.7%. There was a significant difference between needle stick and sharp injury with some associated fosters like a unit of work, specialty, and experiences. Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of needle sticks and sharp injuries among healthcare workers in Rania City was high and most of them were nurses. Regular training about the prevention of needle sticks and sharps injuries is needed to increase workplace safety and protect healthcare workers.
Published Version
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