A preliminary study of needlestick and sharps injuries in doctors and nurses at a medical center in Taiwan
Journal
Journal of Nursing and Healthcare Research
Journal Volume
8
Journal Issue
2
Pages
117-127
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSI) are a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers. It is important to discuss how to improve the working environment, occupational education and management protocols to reduce NSI incidences. Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand NSI, incidence rates and associated factors among doctors and nurses. Methods: We enrolled 906 subjects in this cross-sectional survey (response rate: 73.5%). Two sample t tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze data. Results: Nearly half (45.4%) of the subjects reported experiencing one or more NSI during the previous one-year period, with 62.3% of these NSI events reported to superiors. We identified education level and attitude score as significant predictive factors of NSI. Logistic regression indicated an odds ratio for NSI of 2.65 (95% C.I.=1.106-6.330) between those with a bachelor's and those with a master's or higher degree. Significant predictive factors in contaminated NSIs were professional title, department and overall attitude. We found an NSI odds ratio of 2.30 (95% C.I.=1.127-4.704) between doctors and nurses and 3.90 (95% C.I.=1.682-9.017) between subjects working in operation rooms and those working in intensive care units. Conclusions / Implications for practice: The highest NSI risk groups were doctors, those working in operation rooms, and less experienced junior staff. Study findings may provide information for improving hospital safety policies.
Type
journal article