Injection Safety Awareness And Knowledge Among Slum Population

Abstract

Research questions: (1) What is the level of awareness of a slum community regarding injection safety. Objectives: To study the awareness and knowledge of the community regarding safe injection use. Study design: Cross-sectional, community-based. Participants: Adults above 18 years of age in a slum community of Delhi. Sample size: 363 families. Statistical analysis: Done using Epi info 6.x2 test of proportions was used to find the difference between the two proportions Results: A total of 363 families were interviewed. About 11.4% received one injection in the last three months. In children below 5 years. 72.8% of injections were preventive. The major proportion (66%) of therapeutic injections was provided by unqualified practitioners. In 52% of injection use, disposable syringes were used. Average cost per injection was found to be Rs. 22.60. Conclusion: It is important to create awareness among the slum dwellers and the local practitioners about the importance of disposable syringes and injectables.