Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Concerning Needle-Stick Injuries Among Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study at Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/5k499105Keywords:
NSI, Health Care Workers, KTHAbstract
INTRODUCTION: The introduction of bloods or others potentially hazardous materials by a hollow needle or other sharps instrument such as needle, surgical blades, contaminated broken glass etc. into the body of healthcare providers, during the performance of their duty is known as Needle Stick Injuries. NSI are the main risk factor for most common blood borne diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis c virus, and hepatitis B virus. The aim of the current study was to assess knowledge attitude and Practices among healthcare workers regarding needle stick injuries at Khyber teaching hospital Peshawar, Pakistan.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers. A structured pre-tested questionnaire was administered in a total of 150 healthcare workers to fill the questionnaire during the months of March and April 2025. SPSS 27.0 was used for data analysis. Percentages of the categorical variables were computed and compared by Chi square test at a 5% level of significance.
RESULTS: In our study a total of 150 health care workers were observed. They included 55 males and 95 females. Among these health care workers 129 were those who got Needle Stick Injury during their hospital hours with 86% ratio and 21 were those who didn’t get the Needle Stick Injury during their practical experience with 14% ratio. Only 54.7% were familiar with the definition of NSI. Rests of them were not exactly familiar to the NSI. Only 62.7% HEALTH CARE WORKERS were familiar that all the three HBV, HCV, HIV are common blood borne pathogens to which they are more likely exposed to during practical work. Rests of them were not exactly familiar with this.
CONCLUSION: Most healthcare workers got needle stuck injuries, despite knowing of risk, frequency was high due to burden and inadequate protective measures. There is need to provide adequate protective equipment, proper training for needle stick injuries and post exposure prophylaxis to all healthcare workers.
