Needlestick and Sharp Injuries among Health Care Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Manipur, India: A Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Needlestick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) are the single greatest occupational hazard among health-care workers (HCWs) worldwide. Data related to such injuries are scarce in India. This study encompassed multiple categories of HCWs to compare the prevalence and associated factors of NSSI between them.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of NSSI and identify the associated risk factors among HCWs of a tertiary care hospital in Manipur.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 383. Stratified sampling by probability proportionate to size was done. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression.

Results: A total of 357 HCWs participated in the study. The prevalence of NSSI in the preceding 1 year was 23.8%. A needle on a disposable syringe was the most common device that caused the injury (71.8%). Recapping of needles was the most common procedure that led to the injury (28.2%). More than half (61.2%) of the participants did not report the injury to the concerned authorities. Participants who were fully vaccinated against hepatitis B were less likely to have had an injury in the past 1 year. Participants were more likely to report the injuries to the concerned authorities if the sharp item was contaminated.

Conclusion: One in every four participants had sustained at least one episode of NSSI in the preceding year. More than half of the injuries were not reported. It is imperative to conduct training sessions regarding NSSIs in the hospital at regular basis.