|
PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com / submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
Needle stick Injuries (NSIs) are one of the most potential hazards for Heath Care Workers (HCWs) which put them at risk of acquiring blood borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, C and HIV. This study aims to estimate the incidence along with the awareness regarding NSIs, among the health care workers of Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals. The present study was a cross sectional study conducted for a period of one year and three months among 400 HCWs. A self structured pretested questionnaire was used as a tool in the study. The level of awareness was graded (adequate, fairly adequate and inadequate) on the basis of their knowledge. A score of more than 70% was considered adequate awareness, 50–70% fairly adequate awareness, and less than 50% was taken as inadequate awareness. Awareness level regarding NSI was adequate among 38.8% doctors, 23 % nurses and 8% technicians. Eighteen percent (18.4%) doctors, 9% nurses and 4% technicians had adequate awareness level regarding PEP. The difference between adequate awareness level regarding NSI and post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among different groups of HCWs was significant (P<0.05). Incidence rate of NSI among HCWs is 41.5% but only 11.8% were reported. The mean of NSI/HCW/year is highest (0.81) in nurses followed by doctors (0.67) and followed by technicians (0.66). The Obstetrics & Gynaecology department had highest (mean =0.93) number of NSI followed by pediatrics (0.74) and surgery (0.68). The present study shows that the reporting of NSI is poor. So regular training programs are needed to raise the awareness level and reporting regarding NSI.