Prevalence And Associated Factors Of Needle Stick And Sharp Injuries Among Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Background: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are still at risk from needle sticks and sharps injuries, which can expose them to blood-borne diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Workplace safety is essential to occupational health practices among HCPs, especially for physicians and nurses vulnerable to work-related hazards such as needle stick and sharp injuries. The study aims: To identify the prevalence and associated factors of needle stick and sharp injuries among HCPs in KSA. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 151 HCPs working in three public hospitals in Jeddah City, KSA.  A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and delivered to the participants. Results: The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among HCPs was very high (95.36%), and around half were injured more than five times. Fem[1]ale and those in an emergency department were more likely to be subjected to needle stick and sharp injuries (p = 0.018 and 0.021, respectively). Needle stick was the most common cause of injury (62.77%), and the fingers were the most exposed injury site (79.17%). Non-reporting injuries were very high (73.61%), and only one-third (34.21%) of them proceeded in the process of management, and less than one-quarter (23.68%) had been vaccinated. Conclusion: The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among HCPs was very high, and determined by gender and place of work. Post-injury reporting and precautions were poor, which may increase the prevalence of hospital- acquired infections among clients and healthcare providers.