Stress and Fear of Exposure to Sharps in Nurses

Abstract

BackgroundInjuries caused by sharp objects, which involve biological hazards are considered as one of the most important factors that lead to stress among the nursing staff. Contact with sharp objects is a major concern among healthcare workers, especially nurses.ObjectivesThis study was done to determine the amount of stress caused by exposure to sharp medical instruments among nurses.Materials and MethodsThis was a cross-sectional research on 527 nurses, working at different medical centers across Iran, with a cluster-sampling method. The relevant data was collected with a valid and reliable questionnaire. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of internal consistency of this instrument was 0.92 and interclass correlation coefficient was 0.94ResultsThe results showed that ward satisfaction, having master of science, age, and number of contacts were significantly able to predict variance in stress scores. The adjusted line regression model explained 36% of the overall variance in stress score (R2 = 0.60)ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that exposure to sharp objects may cause high stress in the nursing staff. Considering higher levels of stress in the area of contact care, the provisions on how to deal with patients and safe care can help reduce stress.

Evaluations of Stress Level Caused by Fear of Exposure to Needle stick Injury among Nurses: A cross-sectional study

“…In agreement with a study done by Nayak et al (19) , who revealed that even with the The present study results were accordance with Moayed et al (28) study who reported that the level of stress among nurses are extremely multiplied by working with sharp objects. In agreement with study Tanta Scientific Nursing Journal done by Elsherbeny&Niazy (29) ,who…”

“…Coppola et al (10) . indicated that about three Following the instructions on how to deal with patients and safe care can help decrease stress (11) .…”

Modulation of Cortisol Responses to an Acute Stressor in Zebrafish Visually Exposed to Heterospecific Fish During Development

“…20 The NPH zebrafish that developed in the presence of a daily stimulus, visual contact with a fish larger than itself, may have perceived it as a risk; since exposure to objects perceived as ''risky'' may cause higher stress response, such as increased stress levels in nurses by working with sharp objects. 21 Besides, Luca and Gerlai 22 found that the strongest fear responses were induced by images with the largest point size (among images of a sympatric predator, the Indian leaf fish, or a bird silhouette) shown to zebrafish, which were believed to interpret these stimuli as fast-approaching objects that could attack them. In addition, zebrafish preferred individuals that exhibited characteristics similar to their own (i.e., they exhibited a preference for conspecifics 23,24 ).…”

Injuries as exposure events in providing medical services by nursing staff

“…Jednak nie jest możliwe całkowite wyeliminowanie ostrych narzędzi medycznych z większości procedur medycznych. Na wystąpienie skaleczeń mogą mieć wpływ staż pracy, doświadczenie, atmosfera panująca w miejscu pracy, pośpiech, zdenerwowanie, stres, brak współpracy ze strony pacjentów i wiele innych czynników (6,7).…”

“…However, it is impossible to completely eliminate medical sharps from most medical procedures. The occurrence of cuts can be affected by work experience, experience, atmosphere in the workplace, haste, nervousness, stress, lack of cooperation on the part of patients and many other factors (6,7).…”