Publication:

Study of knowledge, attitude and practice among nurses regarding needle stick and sharp item injuries

Background Needle stick injuries are an important occupational hazard for nursing personnel as they form an important mechanism for transmission of blood borne pathogens. A needle stick injury (NSI) is defined as an accidental skin-penetrating stab wound from a hollow-bore needle (or any sharp) containing another person’s blood or body fluid. Sharp injury (SI) is defined as a skin-penetrating stab wound caused by sharp instruments & accidents in a medical setting.

Methods The study is hospital based cross-sectional descriptive in PGIMS Rohtak. The study was designed towards achievement of all objectives. The study was carried out from 14 June 2016 to 13 August 2016.

Results Majority (6%) of sample were in the age group of 20-25 years and (31%) in age group of 26-30 years. Majority of sample (98.5%) were female. Majority of sample (90%) were GNM, (6.5%) were B.Sc Nursing, (1.5%) was M.sc Nursing. Majority of sample (91.5%) were married.

Conclusions The study identified the presence of suboptimal practices that put both staff nurses and patients at significant risk of contracting occupational infections.