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TITLE:

NEEDLE STICK INJURIES: AWARENESS AND PRACTICES OF PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN PAKISTAN

AUTHORS:

Dr. Tariq Feroz Memon, Soha Fatima, Ashley Johanna Issac, Nawar Shaikh, Syeda Aqsa Shah, Hira Fazal.

ABSTRACT:

Abstract: Introduction: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) is the most frequently occurring accidental injuries in the health care settings resulting from the penetration of contaminated syringes or sharps that may expose health care workers (HCWs) to serious life threatening illnesses. NSIs are amongst the most common occupational hazards and potential source of transmission of to more than 20 fatal blood borne infections including Hepatitis B&C and HIV etc. Objectives: To ascertain the awareness of HCWs regarding needle stick injuries in public and private sector hospitals as well as to compare this awareness in both public and private sector healthcare facilities. Material and Methods: The study was a cross sectional survey conducted in public and private sector hospitals in Hyderabad, Pakistan from October 2018 to March 2019. HCWs include; nursing staff, midwives, Operation Theater and Intensive care unit technicians were invited. Data was collected using written questionnaire designed specifically for this study. Questions related to the participant’s knowledge of NSIs and its precautionary measures as well as their routine practices during their routine duties were included. Results: Two hundred HCWs participated in this study. Most (53%) of them were from private sector hospital while majority (36%) of them belongs to age group 28 to 37 years. Half of them (53%) were aware of NSIs while almost two third of them knew about the diseases spread by NSIs. Moreover, 53% of them were aware of the precautionary measures of NSIs. Majority (27%) of HCWs from public hospitals believe that during medication, most of NSIs occur in comparison with private hospital participants where majority (23%) thinks that breaking and discarding needles with bare hands most frequently cause NSIs. Majority (53%) of them not use tray to keep syringes while majority (58%) do not use needle cutter for disposing used needles. There was a statistically significant difference p value < 0.05 in awareness level of HCWs in public and private sector hospitals. Conclusion: Prevalence of NSI was high among the nursing staff in both health sectors. Low awareness level was demonstrated among the HCWs of public sector hospital. There was a significant difference in awareness related to knowledge and precautionary measures of NSIs between public and private sector hospitals. Keywords: NSIs, HCWs, Awareness, Hepatitis B and C

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