Needle Stick Injuries Among Nurses In A Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Needlestick and other injuries from sharp objects place healthcare workers at risk of infection such as hepatitis B and C and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. The objective of the study was to determine the burden of needle stick injury in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital as part of the baseline data against which subsequent impact of current interventions in the hospital will be measured. A voluntary, self administered questionnaire was circulated to 150 Nurses across the various departments in the hospital. Information sought included their experience of needle stick injuries, circumstances, and reoccurrences. Of the 150 questionnaires administered, 129 (86%) nurses responded to the questionnaire. Of these, 80 (62.0%) respondents reported at least one needlestick injury, 48 (37.2%) reported no needles tick injury. Reasons given for needlestick injuries were: Recap of needles 40 (58.8%); non cooperative patients 8 (11.8%); accidental while withdrawing medications 12 (17.6%); improper management of used needle and improper injection techniques 8 (11.8%). A number of preventive measures such as the use of auto destruct (AD) syringes or safety engineered sharp devices, coupled with necessary education and training is discussed. The role of other preventive measures such as proper management of hospital waste, use of sharp boxes to segregate sharps is also highlighted.