Needle Stick or Sharp Injuries & Associated Factors Among Medical Students at Debre Tabor University

摘要

Background: Medical students throughout the world show a high rate of sharp injuries with a consequent risk of acquiring blood-borne infections while performing their clinical activities. Objective: This study was conducted to assess needle stick or sharp injuries among medical students of Debre Tabor University, and to identify the associated factors leading to Needlestick or sharp injury. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 4th to 6th-year medical students at Debre Tabor University, by using census sampling through a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire, and the completeness of the questionnaires was assessed daily. Data were processed and analyzed using SPSS software version 21.0 and bivariate analysis was obtained using a logistic regression model. In addition, tables and figures were used as necessary to represent the data. Result and conclusion: According to our study, the prevalence of Needle stick or sharp injuries among medical students in clinical years other than clerkship I students in Debre Tabor University was found to be 28.5%. Medical interns were particularly affected with a prevalence rate of 66.6%. The associated factors with Needlestick or sharp injuries included the academic year of study and the department where the injury occurred.