The Prevalence of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries among Health Care Workers in Hamadan, Iran

Introduction &

Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) is an important occupational risk among health care workers (HCWs); and it is an important cause of transmission of blood-borne pathogens to this population. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of NSSI among HCWs in the teaching hospitals in Hamadan.

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 700 HCWs between 2009 and 2010. A questionnaire was designed for data collection. Questionnaires were distributed in 5 hospitals to collect self-reported NSSI in the past 12- months.

The rate of accidental NSSI was 24.1% for one year prior the study. Totally, 83.6% of the participants had a full vaccination course against hepatitis B. The majority of NSSIs occurred in the 30-34 age group (33.3%) and most of them were female. Also, 48.5% of NSSIs were during blood sampling or IV catheter insertion.

Developing appropriate educational programs regarding prophylactic tasks, disposal of medical wastes, and using safe needle devices can reduce the risk of NSSIs among HCWs.