Experiences with Needle-stick and Sharp Object Injuries for Healthcare Workers in a State Hospital in Tokat Province, Turkey

Healthcare workers are at risk because they are in contact with patients and a variety of materials that may be infected. Needle-stick and sharp object injuries can cause the transmission of blood-borne diseases. This study described the research regarding injuries from needle-sticks and sharp objects, and the precautions to be undertaken in the event of such injuries in order to enhance occupational and other safety. This study was conducted at Tokat State Hospital, affiliated with the Tokat Association of Public Hospitals General Secretariat. From Jul to Oct 2015, 550 health care workers were interviewed. These volunteers answered a 29 question survey face to face. The survey responses were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 16. The group was 59.6% female, and 44.4% were nurses. When the needle-stick and sharp injury properties of the research group were evaluated, 20.72% had experienced an injury in the last year, and 31.09% had such an injury at some point during their career. Moreover, 88.54% of the volunteers answered that they had been vaccinated for hepatitis B. Although there were a large number of injuries, a very small number of these cases were reported. The use of safe medical tools and periodic educational programs that teach precautionary measures can reduce the number of injuries.