Needle-stick/Sharps injuries among health care workers in a Tertiary hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Accidental exposure to blood following needle-stick /sharp injury is a major public health threat. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of needle-stick/sharp injuries (NSSIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that was carried out at the Benue State University Teaching hospital, Makurdi. Self-administered, structured and validated questionnaires were admitted to 215 subjects. Collated data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows version 18.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, Illinois).Results: A total of 215 HCWs participated in the study. These were aged 18-71years with the mean age of 33.1±8.3. This comprised 90(41.9%) males and 125(58.1%) females. Cleaners were 49(22.8%), Nurses 102(47.4%), Laboratory Scientists 11(5.1%) and doctors 53 (24.7%). Twenty one (9.8%) had NSSI in the preceding 12 months and 99(46.0%) had it in their career. Out of these, highest prevalence 52(24.2%) was observed among nurses, and the majority of the injury 36(16.7%) occurred during injection procedures. Less than a third 32(14.9%) of the HCWs did not seek medical treatment after having NSSIs. Conclusion: The 12 months prevalence of Needle-stick/sharp injuries in this study was 9.8%. However, 46.0% had it in their career. The nurses were affected most, and it was mainly due to injections. Many of the affected HCWs did not report; and seek medical attention. Health institution managers should include prevention, reporting and treatment of NSSIs as part of the training program for their employees.