Determinants of Needlestick Injury at Coastal Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Needlestick injuries are considered as the most commonly occurring occupational injuries

amongst healthcare workers. Blood-borne infections can be transferred via needlestick injury. Healthcare

workers may acquire these injuries in their day-to-day work from inappropriate procedures and low safety

measures.

Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in

coastal Karnataka. The study involves a complete time-bound enumeration of needlestick injuries for the

period of seven months starting from October 2018 to April 2019. A self-generated data collection form was

used as a study tool, which was given to the healthcare worker who had experienced needlestick injuries.

Findings: Most of the injuries have occurred in wards (45.4%) and during invasive procedures (52.3%). The

majority of the injuries were occurring in the morning shift time (38.6%). The majority of study participants

(52.3%) were working for 45 to 59 hours per week. Amongst the study participants, most of them were

having up to 2 years of work experience (68.2%). The injuries were occurring during invasive procedures,

due to improper disposal of needles, while collecting the waste, and suturing.

Conclusion: The determinants of needlestick injuries were identified using the data. Continuous education

and training programs on the safe handling of needles would help prevent needlestick injuries in the hospital.