Volume : III, Issue : VII, July - 2013

Study on Needle stick injuries among nurses of a tertiary care hospital of Assam

Dr. Ekta Gupta, Dr. Vikrant Katiyar

Abstract :

Background: Accidental needle stick injuries (NSI) sustained by healthcare workers are a common occupational hazard in healthcare settings. Objectives: To assess the prevalence and response to NSI among nurses in a tertiary care hospital of Assam. Methods: A cross–sectional study was conducted among nurses of Assam Medical College Hospital where 190 nurses were interviewed using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire regarding occurrence of NSI. Results: Out of 190 nurses, 102(53.7%) reported having one or more episodes of NSIs in their career. 38(37.3%) of injuries occurred during recapping of needles. At the time of injury, only 54(52.9%) nurses wore gloves. 62(60.8%) washed the site of injury with soap and water while 20(19.6%) did nothing. Only 8(7.8%) of the nurses undertook post–exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against HIV/AIDS after their injury. Conclusion: The study shows that NSIs are quite common among nurses. There is an urgent need to provide training to nurses regarding safe work practices and procedure to be followed in case of NSI.

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Article: Download PDF   DOI : 10.36106/ijar  

Cite This Article:

Dr. Ekta Gupta, Dr. Vikrant Katiyar Study on Needle stick injuries among nurses of a tertiary care hospital of Assam Indian Journal of Applied Research, Vol.III, Issue.VII July 2013

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