Dental Professionals' Insight, Outlook, and Vigilance on Needle Stick and Sharp Encounters — A Comprehensive Cross-sectional Nationwide Survey

Abstract

BackgroundNeedle stick and sharps injuries (NSSI) represent grave risks to the health and safety of healthcare professionals in their places of employment. Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable to these injuries, which increase their risk of spreading bloodborne illnesses by exposing them to bodily fluids like blood and urine. The main motive of this study was to investigate dental practitioners’ cognizance, mindsets and comprehension of needle-stick and sharp injuries (NSSI), a population at exceptionally high risk for acquiring illnesses transmitted by blood.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional survey technique was used in this study, with an organized and pretested interview-based questionnaire. With 320 participants, most of whom were Indian nationals, there was a clear gender difference in the research favouring women. Among them, nearly all participants comprehended that needle-stick and sharps injuries (NSSI) may transmit infections, specifically naming HIV, Hepatitis B, and other pathogens. Of them, 85.9% were aware of the primary measures for NSSI.ResultsThe majority of participants stated that frequent patient care procedures, including needle manipulation, frequently result in NSSI. The majority selected many preventative techniques (72.8%), with the ”one-hand method of recapping” being a popular choice. In terms of attitudes, a sizable segment conveyed that they were attempting to keep their cool, that they were afraid of getting sick, and that they thought NSSI could be avoided. In terms of awareness, a sizable majority recognized the significance of cleaning with soap and water, avoiding puncturing wounds to stop bleeding and avoiding sticking fingers in the mouth. With 84.1% indicating awareness, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) awareness was moderate. Most participants felt that getting vaccinated against hepatitis B is an effective preventive measure, agreed that seeing a medical practitioner in the event of NSSI, and were aware that there was no vaccine against hepatitis C. Sources were mentioned to acquire information, including journal articles, training manuals, CME seminars, and CDC guidelines.ConclusionThe study highlighted variables contributing to NSSI non-reporting and identified critical areas for lowering preventable illnesses. It emphasizes the importance of giving dental practitioners thorough and prompt training in infection control procedures and improved teaching on NSSI throughout undergraduate studies.