A Cross Sectional Study on Incidence of Needle Prick Injury among Health Care Providers in Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Health care providers are at increased risk of infection with blood-borne pathogens because of their occupational exposure. Objectives: The objective of the following study is to assess the occurrence of needle prick injury (NPI) among Health care providers. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study, cross-sectional in design. Results: 280 (56.0%) reported NSI in the preceding 2 years in the health care facility. Ward boys 70(28.57%)Nurses and nursing students 120(46.42%),Lab technicians 80(28.57%).Nurses and nursing students had the highest percentage . Only 220 (44 %) HCPs were wearing gloves at the time of NPI. Among HCP 140 Junior residents( 63.63% ),80 Assistant professors(36%). Most common cause for injury was not taking proper care during recapping of needles after use. Only (40%)200 HCPs took action immediately after an NPI. Conclusion: Occurrence of NPI among the HCPs in Andhra pradesh was high due to lack of availability of Information, education, counseling and communication materials. To obviate this , all the precautionary measures should be displayed prominently at the work place.