Safe injection practices among health care workers at Ain-Shams university hospitals

Injection safety of is an important health issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In absence of safety, the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases increases. To assess safe injection practices among healthcare workers at Ain Shams university hospitals. A descriptive study was conducted and 382 healthcare workers were observed using a checklist based on the World Health Organization definitions. The logistic supply of disposable syringes is provided through the health administration of the hospital in about 90% of the observed cases. Most of the observed healthcare workers used a new syringe and needle from sterile sealed packet for each injection [92.4%] and for each reconstitution [85.6%]. Injection practices less commonly performed were hand washing [44.2%], skin cleaning before injection [40%], use of antiseptic before injection [30.9%], use of protective gloves during injection [20.4%], proper needle handling prior to disposal [12.8%], safe needle disposal [41.6%], and safe syringe disposal [43.2%]. Physicians were adherent to some safe injection practices more than nurses. These practices are cleaning of skin before injection, the use of antiseptic for cleaning the skin before injection, the use of protective gloves during injection, and proper needle handling prior to disposal. The study reflects some areas of compliance to the international safe injection practices. On the other hand, it has documented various practices in Ain-Shams University hospitals which do not meet safe injection standards. Thus, attention should be given to training and regular supervision of health care workers