The pattern of sharps injury to health care workers at Witbank Hospital

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to identify procedures, areas of activity, occupational groups and other variables that carry a high risk of transmission of bloodborne infections from patients to healthcare workers (HCWs) at Witbank Hospital.

Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted among HCWs of Witbank Hospital who were directly involved in patient care over the two-year period under consideration (1.01.03–31.12.04). A directed questionnaire was used to carry out the study.

Results: A total of 435 HCWs completed the questionnaire.

1. A total of 46.7% of respondents had suffered from either needlestick/sharps injury (74.47%) or contamination of skin/mucous membranes (25.53%).

2. A total of 76.9% of all needlestick/sharps injuries were inflicted by injection needles.

3. Taking blood was the most dangerous procedure/activity: it was responsible for 29.56% of all injuries.

4. A total of 44.61% of injured HCWs reported one injury, 45.59% reported two to three injuries and 9,8% were injured more than three times.

5. The youngest interviewed group (20–29 years old) was injured most frequently (61.9%).

6. Professional nurses, who are the largest professional group employed at the hospital, were involved in 41.38% of all reported injuries.

7. House doctors reported the highest rates of injury: 84.37% of them were injured at least once.

Conclusion: This study showed that there is a well-defined pattern of injuries that can lead to transmission of bloodborne infections from patients to HCWs at Witbank Hospital. The areas of activity, procedures and occupational groups that result in a high risk of transmission of bloodborne infections to HCWs were identified, and will be used to design the preventive strategies.

Keywords:

• health care workers
• sharps/needlestick injury
• bloodborne infections