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.

Assessment of Patient and Occupational Safety Culture in Hospitals: Development of a Questionnaire with Comparable Dimensions and Results of a Feasibility Study in a German University Hospital

“…Although a majority of respondents subjectively reported a positive knowledge level for treating a needlestick injury appropriately, only a minority showed sufficient knowledge related to occupational safety about post-exposure prophylaxis of hepatitis B- and C-virus infection and HIV. Other studies in this field also revealed deficits regarding the respective aftercare [37,56,57], finding the same gap between subjective statements and tested knowledge. Interestingly, more respondents reported the sufficient competency of appropriate behaviour in the case of needlestick injuries.…”

Anesthesiologists’ acquisition of hepatitis B virus infection

“…Previous studies demonstrated that barriers to complete vaccination included low levels of awareness. [8,22] In addition to failure to receive vaccinations, another reason for nonprotection is nonresponse to HBV vaccinations. [18] Although nonresponders might benefit from revaccination, some healthcare workers did not even know their HBV status.…”

“…[6,7] In comparison with HIV or HCV, HBV transmission risks from infections to nonimmune individuals through sharp injuries are higher. [8,9]…”

“…[10,11] However, the report of occupational exposure is low among anesthesia personnel. [8] In contrast with other healthcare workers, sharp injuries among anesthesiologists confer a high risk. [8] Although wearing gloves could reduce the risk of percutaneous injuries and exposure to blood and body fluids, some anesthesiologists do not wear gloves during high-risk procedures.…”

“…[8] Although wearing gloves could reduce the risk of percutaneous injuries and exposure to blood and body fluids, some anesthesiologists do not wear gloves during high-risk procedures. [8]…”