Needlesticks and sharp injuries and their associated factors among health care workers of Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of needle sticks and sharp injuries among healthcare workers at the Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia from December 1 to 30, 2023. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on sociodemographic factors and exposure status. Epi-Data and SPSS were used to enter and analyze data. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistical significance. Results: In this study, the prevalence of at least one Needlesticks and sharp injuries in the last 12 months was 46.4 % (95 % CI: 39.3 %-53.6 %). Of most needlesticks and sharp injuries, 47.2 % were superficial skin injuries. The majority of injuries 45.8 % were due to the syringe needle. Factors such as needle recap (AOR=3.73, 95 % CI: 1.07–12.19), Recapping with two hands (AOR=2.78, 95 % CI: 1.36–10.02), working 40 h per week (AOR=2.18, 95 % CI: 0.98–6.86), lack of training in occupational safety practices (AOR=4.01, 95 % CI: 2.60–9.91), and lack of job satisfaction were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of needlesticks and sharp injuries. Conclusion: This study found that nearly half of the respondents experienced a sharp needle poke and injury at least once in the previous year; however, the volume of NSSI remains high in the study area. Healthcare personnel should receive on-the-job training, and hospital executives should set aside time for discussions on how to solve the problem.

Keywords

• Needlesticks and sharp injuries
• Health care worker
• Bule Hora
• Teaching hospital
• Ethiopia