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Injection practices in southern part of India
M Rajasekaran1, G Sivagnanam, P Thirumalaikolundusubramainan
1Department of Pharmacology, KAP Viswanatham Government Medical College, Trichy, Tamilnadu, India. rajadoc@yahoo.com
Public Health
|June 27, 2003
Summary
Unsafe injection practices are common in Tamilnadu, India, with high rates of needlestick injuries and inadequate disposal. Interventions are needed to improve injection safety and prevent disease transmission.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Healthcare Practices
Background:
- Unsafe injections pose significant risks to patients, healthcare providers, and communities, particularly in developing nations.
- The World Health Organization defines safe injections to prevent harm and community risk.
- Irrational injection practices are prevalent globally, necessitating assessment and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate injection practices in Tamilnadu, India.
- To identify deficiencies in safe injection procedures and their consequences.
- To inform recommendations for improving injection safety.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the World Health Organization's Safe Injection Global Network Rapid Assessment and Response guide.
- Conducted interviews with 39 prescribers, 62 healthcare providers, and 175 members of the general public.
- Data collection occurred between April and June 2001 in selected areas of Tamilnadu.
Main Results:
- The per capita injection rate was 2.4 annually, with a therapeutic to immunization injection ratio of 6.5:1.
- Only 35.4% of injections were administered using disposable syringes and needles.
- An annual incidence of 23.6 needlestick injuries per provider was recorded, alongside inadequate sharps disposal facilities.
Conclusions:
- Significant deficiencies exist, including overuse of injections, prevalent unsafe practices, and a high incidence of needlestick injuries due to equipment shortages.
- Low hepatitis B virus immunization rates among providers and insufficient sharps disposal highlight critical gaps.
- Urgent remedial measures, including prescriber education, adequate supplies, provider immunization, and improved waste management, are essential to prevent future disease epidemics.