Publication:

Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding needle stick injuries among medical students in a Government Medical College, Bengaluru

Background A needle stick injury (NSI) is the penetration of skin resulting from a needle or other sharp object that, before the exposure, was in contact with blood, tissue, or other body fluid. Needle-stick injuries are most prevalent within the healthcare sector. Although the immediate physical effects of a needlestick injury are usually minimal, these injuries significantly increase the risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases to those exposed in occupational settings. This study is done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding needlestick injuries among medical students in a government medical college, Bengaluru.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of a government medical college in Bengaluru. 350 Students were participated in the study (70 students from each year). Students were selected by using stratified random sampling method, participants were given a semi-structured and pre–tested questionnaire to fill.

Results Among 350 medical students (mean age 21.09±1.92 years, 240 males and 110 females), 81.4% were vaccinated against Hepatitis B, and 52% received training on safe device use in the past year. While 78.9% believed NSI are preventable, 72.9% were aware of the infections transmitted through NSI. A total of 231 students (66%) demonstrated good knowledge, 262 (74.85%) had a positive attitude, and 186 (53.14%) exhibited good practices regarding NSI.

Conclusions Overall, the knowledge about the needle stick injuries regarding various aspects like disposal of the sharp objects and infection caused by NSI is good.