The Pattern of Needle Stick Injuries Among Private Health Care Workers:

Abstract

Introduction and background: Needle stick injuries are a major occupational health and safety issue faced by healthcare workers (HCWs) in all types of settings. A study done in Uganda found NSIs very common with an estimate of about 55% of HCWs reporting at least one NSI in the previous year. (Newson DH, Kiwanuka JP 2002). Overall objective: To determine the pattern of NSIs among HCWs in private health facilities in Nsangi sub-county, Wakiso district in the past one year. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study that employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques that was carried out in the Ten (10) parishes found in Nsangi sub-county Wakiso district. Results/discussion: Prevalence of NSIs was as high as 67% among the private HCWs, 45% of them sustained at least one NSI. The commonest types of NSIs were needles (48.9%) and glass item (22.5%). The common procedure through which injuries were sustained was through giving an injection (23.3%) and the most affected category of HCWs were the medical/ clinical officers followed by nurses. Conclusion and recommendations: There was a high prevalence of NSIs among private HCWs in Nsangi sub-county. The study recommends the need to address all the different causes of NSIs, need for primary prevention of NSIs. This can be effected through utilization of other types of medications such as giving tablets and using inhalers.