PREVALENCE OF NEEDLE STICK INJURY AMONG RESIDENTS AND HOUSE SURGEONS IN A TERTIARY CARE SETTING, ALAPPUZHA
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Keywords
Needle stick injury, healthcare workers, post-exposure prophylaxis, universal precautions, occupational safety, medical residents
Abstract
Background: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) represent a significant occupational hazard among healthcare workers, particularly residents and house surgeons who are frequently exposed to sharp instruments during clinical procedures. These injuries carry substantial risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission including HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NSI and assess awareness and practices regarding universal precautions and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among residents and house surgeons in a tertiary care setting in Alappuzha, Kerala.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 129 residents and house surgeons at Government T.D Medical College, Alappuzha. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered through Google forms. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics (mean ± SD, percentages) and inferential statistics (chi-square test, odds ratios) to identify associations between variables.
Results: The prevalence of NSI was 58.9% (n=76). Among those who experienced NSI, 28.9% reported more than three injuries, with 73.7% occurring during procedures and 68.4% while suturing. Surgical departments accounted for 63.2% of injuries. Only 52.6% reported the incident to authorities, primarily due to considering it not serious (32.5%) or being busy (37.5%). Post-exposure, 86.8% cleaned the wound with soap and water, but only 11.8% took PEP. Checking anti-HBsAg titre was significantly associated with experiencing NSI (OR=2.16, 95% CI: 1.02-4.57, p=0.042). Reporting NSI was significantly associated with PEP uptake (p=0.002).
Conclusion: The high prevalence of NSI coupled with low reporting rates and PEP uptake highlights significant gaps in occupational safety practices. There is an urgent need for targeted educational interventions, improved reporting systems, and accessible PEP services to protect healthcare workers from preventable occupational hazards.
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Dr. Viswakala V S
Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine , Govt. T D Medical College, Vandanam, Alappuzha.
Dr. Anuja M V
Junior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Govt. T D Medical College, Vandanam, Alappuzha.
Nayanthara P Hidayath
Final MBBS student , Govt. T D Medical College, Vandanam, Alappuzha
Archa Prasad
Final MBBS student , Govt. T D Medical College, Vandanam, Alappuzha