Publication:

Knowledge, attitude and practice of needle stick injury and post exposure prophylaxis in undergraduate medical students

Background Needle stick injury are the most common reason behind occupational blood exposure and most important source of exposure to another person’s blood.

Methods A cross-sectional observational questionnaire-based study of 450 undergraduate medical students which includes 100 from each years, Second year: Part I (II/I: Third Semester), Second year: Part II (II/III: Fifth Semester), Third Year (III: Seventh Semester), Fourth year (IV: Ninth Semester) MBBS and 50 Interns. The participation was voluntary and written consent was taken prior to enrollment. The objectives of study were explained, and validated questionnaire was administered to the students and collected in a single visit after 30-40 minutes.

Results The average age was 21.91±2.03 years. About 406 students were aware of disease transmitted by NSI. 189 students felt that occurrence of NSI, first person to be contacted is Medicine Physician. 208 don’t know of existence of PEP. 164 felt PEP is to be given for 4 weeks. According to 138 students PEP guidelines were proposed by NACO while 101 students felt WHO. 261 students felt that most probable chance of getting NSI was in emergency ward. 363students felt that need for NSI PEP training before clinical exposure is very important. 345 felt the need for insurance of HCWs for diseases transmitted by NSI.

Conclusions Medical students are highly vulnerable to NSI and there is need to provide adequate preventive measures, frequent training for needle stick injury and postexposure prophylaxis to all healthcare workers.