STATE OF NEEDLE STICK INJURIES AMONG PARAMEDIC NURSES OF CIVIL HOSPITALS AT SINDH

Abstract

Background: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are the most prevalent and preventable occupational hazard for health
care workers (HCWs), resulted in transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Globally 35.7 million HCWs face the
risk of NSIs during performing their professional activities. Among the HCWs paramedical nurses have the highest risk of injuries. Current study was conducted with objective to determine the prevalence of NSIs among paramedic nurses.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted from September- December 2012among 139 randomly
identified paramedic nurses of DHQ hospitals Mirpurkbas, Matiari and Hala, Face to face interview was conducted to collect information on incidence of NSIs, circumstances surrounding, post exposure management and associated factors. Data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 17.
Results: The prevalence of NSIs for the last one year was n=41 (29.4%), of these, n=O(91.1%) caused by needle. Near half n=() (48.6%) occurred in emergency rooms followed by wards. One third n=() (65.3%) occurred
during recapping of the needle; most of respondents n=()(70.45%) identified injuries fatigue as a cause of NSI.
Only n=22 (53.65%) wear gloves at the time of procedure. Immediate response of n=27(65.85%) respondent was
washed with tap water and soap after NSIs. Among the total only n=2(4.87%) took Post exposure management
and n=0 (38.2%) of them had been vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Conclusion: Results revealed that paramedic nurse as high NSIs prevalence associated with fatigue and lack
personal protection. Establishment of NSls surveillance, training of HCW sand promotion of standard precautions
are highly recommended. .
Keywords: Needle sticks injuries, Nurses, Prevalence and Risk Factors.