Awareness in Nursing Students Regarding Prevention of Needle Stick Injuries

Abstract

An unexpected needle stick injury is one of the most common work-related hazards among health care workers, and it contributes to an increased risk of Blood related infection transmission. Students, as a vulnerable team of health providers, are more vulnerable to these deadly infections. In the situation of such blood-borne diseases, healthcare professionals pose a significant risk. Objective: To aware nursing students regarding prevention of needle stick injuries. Methods: This descriptive cross section study was conducted at the Lahore school of Nursing, the University of Lahore, Pakistan. Data were collected by self-administered questionnaire. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed through descriptive as well as inferential statistics using SPSS software (22). The descriptive analysis was performed by using frequencies and percentages. Results: The study results showed “Did you experience needle stick injury?” 49 (64.5%) respond yes and 37 (35.5%) respond no. “Did you reported the NSI Event?” 24 (31.6%) respond yes and 52 (68.4%) respond no. “NSI may lead to significant anxiety for the affected person?” 33 (43.4%) respond yes and 43 (56.6%) respond no. Do you know about needles safety device? 15 (19.7%) respond yes and 61 (80.3%) respond no. Conclusions: Study showed that lack of awareness is one of the major factors for needle stick injury. Moreover, it was clearly evident that nursing students were careless in handling used and contaminated needles which was the greatest cause of needle stick injury.