A Study of Needle Sticks Injuries in a Medical College Hospital in Northern District of Karnataka

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are prone for accidental Needle Stick Injuries. Inspite of health education and interventions for prevention, needle stick injuries are still common. Methodology: We reviewed the surveillance data of NSI over a period of 2 years (March 2009 - Feb 2011) to identify the health groups affected, types of needles used, mechanisms of NSI, pattern of post-exposure prophylaxis and the complications. Results: 118 HCW reported the injuries. Among them were 42 (35%) nurses, 22 (19%) nursing interns/ students, Laboratory technicians 21 (18%), Cleaning staff 14 (12%), Medical interns 12 (10%) and Doctors 07 (06%). The devices mainly responsible for Needle Stick Injuries were hollow bore needles (n=90, 78%), solid 16 (17%) and others 4 (5%). Almost all injuries were caused during blood collection procedure and de-capping or re-capping of the needles. Post exposure prophylaxis for HCW's who reported injuries was provided. Subsequent follow up for Human immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus was negative except for one health care worker who was positive for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen(HBsAg). Conclusion: Proper education and appropriate waste disposal of the sharps are necessary to prevent Needle stick Injuries.