Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Needle Stick Injuries among Students and Staff in a Tertiary Medical Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Needle stick injuries are one of the greatest fears that revolves around the health care workers all over the world, and the majority of them are avoidable by following proper precautionary methods in handling the devices. Even though, by following the precautionary methods, a few accidents may happen a few times and thus resulting in a needle stick injury. The aim of  our study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices towards Needle stick injuries among students and staff in a tertiary medical centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu , India Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, practices about needle stick injuries among students and staff in a tertiary medical centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital. Our study included students and staff of the institution, irrespective of their age and sex. Data collection was carried out using a standardized questionnaire. Results: 62.1% of the participants know the last universal precaution guidelines of needle stick injuries management. 83.3% are fully vaccinated with anti-HBV.70.9% always use gloves when deal with needles. 14.3% had Needle stick Injury. 40.9% strongly believe that needle stick injury can be prevented. Since adequate awareness is created by the institution, participants in this study have higher knowledge, attitude and practices when compared to reference studies.