PREVALENCE OF NEEDLE STICK INJURIES AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Percutaneous exposure to contaminated needle sticks and other sharps is an occupational hazard to HCWS that causes morbidity and mortality from infections with blood borne pathogens. This study was conducted to see the prevalence of needle stick injuries among health care providers at Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK).The objective is to study the prevalence of NSI among HCWs, the most frequent reason of injury, common causative equipment, and affected site of hand. It is an Prospective Observational cross sectional study at CHK in its 3 units including 100 participants. Study was conducted from 2nd Jan 2012 to 28th Feb 2012. Result shows that a large percentage (77%) of HCWs reported having had one or more NSIs in their career. While 23% did not report NSI in their career.(40.3%) NSIs occurred during use of the needle. Greater part of injuries reported due to disposable syringes (45/77 or 58.4%). Finger was affected by NSIs, in 72.7% cases.Our study concluded that the occurrence of NSI was found to be very frequent among HCWs in our setup. Poor compliances to universal precautions is a risk factor for sharp injuries. Some circumstances such as pressure of work and time constraint was a contributing factor. NSIs could reduce with the use of safer designed equipment. The promotion of adequate working conditions and Training programs regarding safety precautions on ongoing basis is very essential for future control of NSIs among health care workers at Hospitals.