Publication:

The pattern of sharp injuries and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia

Background The objective of the study was to assess the pattern of needle stick and sharp injuries and associated factors among healthcare workers in Gambella Town, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 05 March to 20 April 2019. A total of 368 healthcare workers were recruited using a systematic random sampling procedure. The data were entered into Epi info 7 and exported to statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. P≤0.20 was used to select variables from bivariable logistic analysis to multivariable logistic analysis. P value of ≤0.05 with 95% confidence level was used to identify variables that were associated with needle stick and sharp injuries.

Results The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among healthcare workers in Gambella town was 113 (32.2%) 95% CI (27.43, 36.97) with mean age of 30.35±7.73. Work experience >10 years [AOR=2.24, 95% CI: (1.13, 4.43)], absence of training on occupational health and safety [AOR=4.89, 95% CI: (2.21, 10.84)], working more than 48 hours/week [AOR=3.44, 95% CI: (1.76, 6.74)], dissatisfaction with their work [AOR=3.76, 95% CI: (2.12, 6.69)], having low risk perception [AOR=5.82, 95% CI: (2.59, 13.07)], and having moderate risk perception [AOR=3.44, 95% CI: (1.83, 6.49)] were significantly associated with needle stick and sharp injuries.

Conclusions There was high prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among healthcare workers in Gambella town. Lack of training, low-risk perception, dissatisfaction with the working environment, long working hours, and long working experience were associated with needle stick and sharp injuries.