Frequency of Needlestick Injury with Associated Risk Factors and Knowledge about Blood Borne Transmitted Diseases among Health Care Workers in Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Background Needlestick and Sharps injuries (NSSIs) are wounds caused by sharps such as hypodermic needles, blood collection needles, intravenous cannulas or needles. Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) are one of the major risk factors for blood-borne infection among the health-care facilities. They are considered to be the single greatest hazard to medical personnel. Objectives To determine the frequency of NSSI with associated risk factors among health care workers in OR and ER departments of Alnoor Specialist Hospital and to assess level of the knowledge about blood borne transmitted diseases. Material and methods A cross-sectional study conducted among Health Care Workers of Alnoor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia from 9th of August to 28th of October 2015 with participation of 168 HCWs. A modified EPINet questionnaire used to determine the frequency and associated risk factors of NSSI. Results Out of 168 participants, 61 (36.3 %) experienced Needlestick injuries at least once during working in a medical field, 85.2 % of them were vaccinated for hepatitis B.36 % of injuries occurred during recapping of needle. Conclusion Health Care Workers are at risk of needlestick injury. Malpractice of Universal Precautions especially with recapping of used needles lead to needlestick injury. NSSI can be avoided by practice of Universal Precautions and introduce an educational program.