Awareness of Students of Applied Medical Sciences Faculty Regarding Needle Stick and Sharp Injuries (NSSIs). Taif University, Taif, KSA

Applied medical sciences students (particularly nursing and laboratory) are at high risk for needle stick and sharp injuries, especially when there are lack of experiences and awareness. This study aimed to assess the awareness of applied medical sciences students regarding needle stick and sharps injuries and to determine the prevalence of NSSIs among those students. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted by self-administered questionnaire on a representative random sample taken from nursing and laboratory department students. The total of students involved in this study was 92, (49 were from nursing department) and (43 were from laboratory department).45.7 %, of them were exposing to NSSIs and 89.1 % were fully vaccinated against HBV. The orientation for the students about the infection control recommendations and guidelines is mandatory and students are advised to avoid recapping of used needle, however in case of exposure to NSSIs, the students should have report this incidence to their clinical instructors immediately.