Sleep-Related Problems and Needlestick Injuries Among Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Needlestick and sharp injuries (NSIs) are prevalent among registered nurses and nursing students. Although NSIs are a multifactorial phenomenon, the relationship between sleep problems and NSIs remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between sleep-related problems and NSIs among nursing students.

Cross-sectional study of n = 584 nursing students from two Ecuadorian universities. Sociodemographic and academic data as well as information on NSIs in the previous three months were obtained through an online questionnaire. Self-reported insomnia, sleepiness, sleep hygiene practices and emotional well-being were explored using validated questionnaires. The relationship between all variables and the occurrence of NSIs was explored using logistic regression analyses.

In total, 23.6% of the students (n = 138) reported at least one NSI in the previous three months. Those reporting NSIs used hypnotics more frequently (p < 0.05), were younger and reported higher levels of insomnia, sleepiness, depression, anxiety and stress and poorer sleep hygiene (all p < 0.01). Logistic regression revealed that younger students (OR = 0.931, CI: 0.884-0.982, p < 0.01) and those reporting insomnia symptoms (OR = 1.064, CI: 1.016-1.114, p < 0.01) had higher odds of reporting NSIs.

Having insomnia symptoms and being younger were associated with an increased likelihood of reporting NSIs among nursing students. There is an urgent need to develop preventive strategies that address the potential role of sleep problems and other individual and organizational factors to reduce the occurrence of NSIs among students and healthcare professionals.