RESUMEN
This prospective study was designed to throw some light on frequency of occurrence and complications resulting from needle stick injuries in nurses working in health care units of Kalyoubia Governorate. A total of 200 nurses were interviewed to answer a structured questionnaire. The target group was followed up using hepatitis B and C markers. Analysis of data shows that the mean age of the studied group was 42.22 +/- 7.35. Forty nine percent of the studied nurses were urban inhabitants, while 51% were rural inhabitants. Thirty eight percent of the studied nurses were employed for less than 10 years, 33.33% were employed for more than 20 years. About seventy one percent of nurses working in immunization show injuries in fingers. About 85% of nurses working in non-immunization units show injuries in the palm and dorsum. Health care seeking differs among individuals. The majority [86.67%] of nurses working in immunization don't seek treatment, 9.52% treated with antiseptic. However the perception of seriousness of illness were more obvious among nurses working in non-immunization tasks as the majority of them [64%] seek treatment in the form of local antiseptics [37.89%], medical treatment [10.5%] and surgical treatment [15.79%]. Only 1.9% of nurses working at immunization units had positive past history for hepatitis. On follow-up of these nurses by hepatitis B and C markers 6 months later, it was found that 11.43% of nurses working in immunization unites show positive HBs Ag compared to 3.16% + ve HBs Ag of nurses working in non-immunization units. However, nurses working in immunization unites show the presence of anti-HCV antibody in a percentage of 29.52%. Nurses working in non-immunization unites show statistically significant correlation higher percentage for being negative for anti HCV antibodies. Needle stick injury show negative statistically significant correlation with the duration of employment and nurses age. However, needle stick injury is correlated positively with presence of HBs Ag as well as Anti HCV antibodies. That calls for intensive pre-service and in-service training programs for nurses to follow safty rules to avoid needle stick injuries. Hepatitis B vaccine should be compulsory for all health care providers