Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are the injuries that are caused by needles, such as hypodermic needles, blood collection needles, intravenous stylets, and needles used to connect parts of intravenous delivery systems. NSIs are very common and in many instances unavoidable among healthcare providers when they are delivering patient care. Around 75% of the NSIs in developing countries are not reported. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and other correlates and attributes of NSIs among healthcare providers in a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. . An observational prospective study was conducted at a East Point College of Medical Sciences & Research Centre, Bangalore during a period of January 2017 to December 2018. We analyzed the data of all the HCWs who voluntarily reported injuries by needle stick, sharps such as cannulas, broken vials and splashes on cuts, and mucous membranes by potentially infectious materials such as blood and other body fluids. 48 NSI events were reported during the study period of two years .Among these 36 (75 %) were females and 12 (25%) were males. Percutaneous injuries (45, 93.7 %) were more common as compared to mucocutaneous exposures (3, 6.3%). In our study the highest incidence of needle stick injuries were among the nursing staff (31.2%) and nursing students (27.1 %). Injuries were most commonly reported from wards (16, 33.3 %) followed by emergency department (11, 22.9%). Majority of the NSI occurred during procedures (n=35, 73%). Syringe needles (41.7%) were the most common devices leading to NSIs. 22 (45.8 %) of the HCW had completed 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccination, while 17 (35.4 %) had completed 2 doses,8 (16.6 %) had completed the first dose and 1(2.2%) was unvaccinated. Only 22 (45.8%) of the HCWs were using gloves, at the time of exposure. Cleaning the injury site with running water was the most frequently used first aid measure in over 75 % of the injured HCWs. Source patient could be identified in 39(81.3%) exposures Establishment of formal reporting mechanisms, immediate reporting of NSIs, and the establishment of a comprehensive NSI prevention program will help in the reduction in the occurrence of NSIs and help in taking immediate remedial action in the form of prophylaxis and treatment.

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