Comparison of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding needle-stick injury among health care providers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Needle-stick injury (NSI) is one of the most potential hazards for health care workers. They pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of blood-borne pathogens. The present study was done to determine the incidence of NSI among interns and nurses; their knowledge, attitude, and preventive strategies undertaken by the respondents after NSI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study was done among interns and nurses in various departments of a tertiary care center in Kerala, India using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The incidences of NSI among interns and nurses were 75.6% and 24.4%, respectively. The most common clinical activity leading to NSI among interns was blood withdrawal (42%) followed by recapping (29%). It was found that nurses had enough knowledge and followed better NSI practices and attitude than the interns. CONCLUSION: All the parameters analyzed were inadequate among the interns, indicating the need for continual awareness programs particularly during the preclinical years.