Anesthesia Personnel’s Knowledge of, Attitudes Toward, and Practice to Prevent Needlestick Injuries

Abstract

Anesthesia personnel are at risk for needlestick injuries (NSIs). This study evaluated the knowledge of, attitudes toward, and practice of preventing NSIs among anesthesia personnel in four Iranian university hospitals. A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 104 anesthesia personnel. In addition, hospital infection control center records were reviewed. The prevalence of NSI among anesthesia personnel was 56.8%. Only 32.2% reported their NSI. Men were more knowledgeable about the risks associated with NSI and the application of standard precautions than women, but were also more likely to experience NSI. Standard precautions were often not followed. In contrast with other hospital staff, most reported NSIs among anesthesia personnel produced high-risk exposures. The knowledge and prevention practices of anesthesia personnel related to needles and other sharps were not satisfactory. These health care providers need appropriate training on standard precautions and administrative oversight to improve their practices. Anesthesia personnel's gender and position should also be considered to improve compliance.

Awareness of Factors Affecting Needle Stick Injuries Among Health Care Workers in the Operation Theatre of a Private Teaching Hospital of Lahore

“…Other studies reported different awareness amongst healthcare professionals i.e. 70% by Jahangiri et al (2016) and 10% by Motavaf et al (2014). 16 .…”

“…70% by Jahangiri et al (2016) and 10% by Motavaf et al (2014). 16 . 17 18 Our study further reports that 84.5% of the participants, in the operation theatre of Shalamar Hospital, are aware of correct, immediate measures to be taken after needlestick and sharp injuries.…”