Incidence of Needlestick Injuries among Nurses: Scoping Review

Abstract

Needlestick injuries (NSIs) pose a significant risk to healthcare workers, particularly nurses, due to the potential for transmitting blood-borne pathogens. This scoping review aimed to explore the incidence of NSIs among nurses globally and identify factors contributing to their occurrence. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. Data extraction focused on the incidence of NSIs, risk factors, prevention strategies, and the impact on nurses' health and well-being. Results revealed a variable incidence of NSIs across different regions and healthcare settings. Common risk factors included workload, inadequate safety training, and non-compliance with safety protocols. Prevention strategies such as the use of safety-engineered medical devices, proper waste disposal, and adherence to standard precautions were emphasized. The findings highlight the need for ongoing efforts to improve NSI prevention and mitigate the associated risks to nurses' health.

Keywords

• Needlestick injuries, nurses, healthcare workers, blood-borne pathogens, occupational safety, prevention strategies, risk factors, global incidence.