Prevalence of needlestick injury and nursing practices regarding safe injection and sharp disposal while working in critical care settings of two tertiary care hospitals

Abstract

This observational cross-sectional study design (Pilot) was conducted to assess the prevalence of needle stick injury (NSI) and nursing practices regarding safe injection and sharp disposal in critical care units of two tertiary care hospitals from 1^st July to 30^th August 2014. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire about the prevalence of NSI and nurses’ pract­ices regarding safe injection and sharp disposal after a thorough literature review and then was given to the expert for review. Finally, the data was collected from the participants after verbal consent. The study result showing that about half of the nurses have no knowledge regarding the disposal of sharp and it has been found that 47.8% re-cap the needle before disposal. While 32.6% reported needle prick injury. The study concluded that inadequate knowledge among nurses about safe nursing practices and lack of using preventive measures from NSI were identified. Lack of reporting is also a factor identified in this study.