Are Needlestick and Sharp Injuries Associated with Shift Work and Sleep Problems in Nurses? A Systematic Review

Needlestick and sharp injuries (NSIs) are common in nurses. Although sleep-related factors such as shift work have been associated with occupational accidents, to date no reviews have synthesized all the current knowledge about shift work, sleep quality, and NSIs.

We aimed to explore the relationship between shift work and sleep-related problems and NSIs in nurses.

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. All studies analyzing the association between NSIs alone or jointly with other occupational injuries and sleep problems or sleep-related problems were included. Sleep factors were coded into different groups: shift work, sleepiness, sleep quality, hypnotic use, and other personal and work-related factors.

Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria. Shift work and poor sleep quality were generally associated with a higher risk of having NSIs, while evidence regarding sleepiness and hypnotic use was limited and inconclusive. Additionally, other factors such as nurses' workload and unsafe practices (eg, needle recapping) were identified as relevant contributors to NSIs.

Sleep-related variables and workload in nurses are associated with the occurrence of NSIs. Implementing reasonable shift systems and reducing workload should be priorities for institutions to protect the health of their workers. Safety education interventions and protocols should also be developed to decrease NSI incidence.

CRD42023434443.