Needle stick injury and HIV risk among health care workers in North India

To determine the occurrence of needle stick injuries among various categories of health care workers (HCWs), the causal factors, and the circumstances under which these occur. 2. To explore the possibilities of measures to prevent these through improvement in knowledge, attitude, and practice.

The study was conducted in two government tertiary level hospitals. Study sample comprised 107 HCWs, providing medical care in two government tertiary level hospitals of Chandigarh. Subjects were enquired about their exposure to needle prick injuries during patient management in the last 6 months and also the action taken following exposure. The statistical tools employed were: ratio, proportions, and other basic methods of data interpretation.

The study among 107 HCWs included 27 doctors (25.2%), 68 nurses (63.5%), and 12 paramedics (11.2%), with 87 (81.3%) being females. The prevalence of needle stick injury and exposure to blood was reported by 73 (68.2%) participants. The main factor ascribed for this exposure was heavy patient load (42.5%). The maximum accidents occurred during emergency care (30.1%). Most common action following exposure was cleaning with spirit (46.3%). Only 51 (47.7%) of HCWs admitted following universal precautions. Among those exposed, only 10 (13.7%) persons had undergone HIV testing.

Two-thirds of HCWs were exposed to needle stick injuries. Lack of awareness about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) was found.