Epidemiology of Needle Stick-Sharp Injuries (NSSIs) and Potential High Risk Exposures among Health Professionals in Ethiopia: Neglected Public Health Concern

摘要

Health professionals are exposed to a wide range of hazards in the workplace. Needle stick injuries have been recognized as one of the occupational hazards. Healthcare worker handling sharp devices or equipment is at risk of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Despite the burden of potential exposures, in Ethiopia, there are only few researches that have been conducted; as a result there is clearly paucity of information on this regard. The aim of the research conducted was to determine the epidemiology of needle stick-sharp injuries and high risk exposures among health professionals in public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hospital based cross sectional survey conducted among health professionals at public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A pretested and structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data on socio-demographic, needle stick injury and other high risk exposures. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.Statistical significance was declared at P-value <=0.05.Of the total study participants, prevalence of sustained needle stick injuries (NSIs) and sharp injury was found 155(61.2%) and 127(50%), respectively. Majority of the study subjects, which account 184(72.4%) and 153(60.2%) of them were exposed for blood while ungloved and body fluid, respectively. Consistent use of gloves was reported by 52.4% of respondents. Of the total study participants, 9(3.5%) of respondents were vaccinated against hepatitis B virus infection. The study declared that exposure for potentially infectious body fluids including blood, needle stick injuries, sharp injury and other risk factors was high. But, the study indicated only very small percentages of health professionals were partially vaccinated for HBV. Taking into account the chance of potential exposure, there is a need to focus efforts on mitigating blood borne pathogen transmission through making the work place environment safe and making use of the available vaccine by vaccinating all health care workers at the start of their career.