Knowledge, attitude and practices on needle-stick and sharps injuries in tertiary care cardiac hospital: A survey.

ABSTRACT

Aims: One of the potential hazards for health care workers (HCWs) is needle-stick and sharp injuries (NSSIs). The objective of the study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of health care workers about the NSSIs. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in the tertiary care cardiac center. The participants were health care workers including doctors, nurses, technicians, and housekeeping staff from the different areas of the hospital. Methods and Materials This cross-sectional survey was conducted in the institute using a self-administered validated questionnaire. The participants consisted of a total of 190 HCWs namely doctors, nurses, technicians, and housekeeping staff. Statistical Analysis Used Nil. Results: Results showed maximum participant were in the age group of 20-30 years. 94.7% were aware about standard precautions. 91.5% knew about the procedure for reporting of NSSIs. Only 50.2% HCWs gave correct answers regarding disease transmission through needle stick and sharp injury. The prevalence of NSSIs was highest among nurses (38.4%), and needle on the disposable syringe (76.9%) was the most common source of NSSIs. Conclusions: The survey revealed few gaps in the knowledge amongst HCWs about NSSIs like risks associated with needle-stick injuries and use of preventive measures, disassembling of needles prior to disposal. These gaps can be addressed by extensive education. As nurses were the most affected victim for the NSSIs, more emphasis should be given towards them for reducing the NSSIs.