Prevalence of Needlestick Injuries and the preventive response of affected Dental healthcare persons working in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Abbottabad Pakistan.

Needle stick injuries and protective response by dental Staff

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Needle sticks and other sharps injuries are common and serious hazards in healthcare facilities, exposing healthcare workers to blood-borne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis B, and C and affecting the physical and psychological health of dental staff. Our study aims to find the prevalence of needle injuries and preventive responses by affected ones.

METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted at various Dental hospitals and clinics in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Abbottabad Pakistan, from December 2023 to May 2024. A close-ended questionnaire was distributed among 400 dentists and other healthcare workers at participating dental hospitals and clinics to collect the data. A total of 345 completely filled forms were collected and assessed by using SPSS 22.

RESULTS: Out of 345, 241 healthcare persons reported needle injury at least once. The majority of injuries (78%) occurred at the chairside, 14% in the operation theatre and 8% at other locations. 197(81.7%) were self-inflicted during needle uncapping/recapping, and 44 (18.3%) were by the assisting staff. About 82% of injuries were with syringes while 18% were by sutures or other sharps. To manage the Needlestick injury (NSI), 159(66%) immediately washed the injury site with water and soap, 27(11%) pressed to bleed, 19(8%) applied antiseptic, 17(7%) took post-exposure prophylaxis against Hepatitis B, C and HIV/AIDS and 8 % did nothing.

CONCLUSION: This study showed that Needlestick injury (NSI) was a common finding at dental workplaces, leaving a physical and psychological fear impact on healthcare persons.