KNOWLEDGE PRACTICE GAPS ABOUT NEEDLE STICK INJURIES AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF PAKISTAN
Abstract
Background: The aim of our study were to assess the knowledge and practice gaps about Needle StickInjuries (NSIs) and their associated factors among Health Care Workers’ (HCWs) at tertiary carehospitals of Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary care teachinghospitals in Karachi, Pakistan, representing both private and public health sector. During the months ofJanuary to May 2008, trained medical graduates interviewed 497 HCWs (Doctors and Nurses) whowere working in those particular hospitals for more than a year and were willing to participate in thestudy. Results: Overall the knowledge about transmission of HBV HCV and HIV was good. However,19.1 and 12.3% HCWs had misconception about the transmission of malaria and tuberculosis by NSIs;more female and working as a nurse. Furthermore, a large number of participants had lack ofknowledge for the transmission of infectious mononucleosis. Over two third of study subjects were notvaccinated for hepatitis B infection, again more females (p=0.002) and nurses (p<0.001). Largenumbers of study participants were not wearing protective cloths, and do not us sharp containers.Similarly, preponderance of study subjects does not avoid breaking needle by hands and leave syringesopen; these poor practices are significantly more prevalent among those working for more than fiveyears and doctors (p=0.003). Conclusion: In addition to lack of knowledge, poor practices werereported in this study. Proper curriculum reform and training are required to protect the health Careworkers and patients. Further research and interventions are suggested in this regards.Keywords: knowledge, practice, public and private sector, Pakistan.References
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