The Profile and Management of Needle-Stick Injuries among Healthcare Workers in a Primary Health Sub-District in Mangaung from 2008 to 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Through needle-stick injuries (NSIs); healthcare workers are exposed to hazards; including blood-borne pathogens. This study aimed to describe the profile and management of NSIs among healthcare workers in the Mangaung health sub-district. Methods: This descriptive study involved reviewing 2008 to 2011 records from healthcare workers who reported NSIs. Results: Thirty-four NSIs were reported. The highest percentage of NSI victims were professional nurses (38.2) and auxiliary nurses (14.7). The highest percentage of NSIs was related to administering injections (38.5). Ninety percent of NSI victims received antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and were tested for HIV within 72 hours. Only 5 repeated the HIV test after three months and 3 at six months post-exposure; while 3 completed ARV therapy prophylaxis. Conclusion: There is poor compliance with post-exposure prophylaxis guidelines; with even fewer NSI victims attending follow-up monitoring. This may have a bearing on compensation claims should these victims seroconvert