A Study on Needle Sticks Injury among Nursing Staff of a Tertiary Care Hospital of Haryana

Background: Needle stick injury is one of the most common forms of occupational hazards in a hospital setting. HIV, HBV and HCV are the three most common infections that can be propagated through this route. Nursing staffs of the hospital are the most vulnerable group to this form of occupational hazards. Methods: The study was carried out in Pt. B. D. Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana. The hospital employs almost 350 female nurses at various levels. 172 nurses were selected by judgmental sampling to calculate the prevalence of needle stick injury in the past five years and also the awareness of the staff. Results: The prevalence of needle stick injury was about 63%. The most common mode was during IV access/ IM injections followed by recapping of needle. The heavy load of patients was the main reason attributed by about 60% of the participants having needle stick injury followed by wrong technique and own carelessness. The use of gloves during IV access and other procedures was seen in only 63% participants. Conclusion: The present study showed the prevalence of needle stick injury to be quite high. Proper training of health care providers regarding techniques to prevent needle stick injuries is the need of the hour