KNOWLEDGE PRACTICE GAPS ABOUT NEEDLE STICK INJURIES AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF PAKISTAN

Authors

  • Ameet Kumar
  • Ali Khan Khuwaja
  • Amin Muhammad Khuwaja

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study were to assess the knowledge and practice gaps about Needle Stick
Injuries (NSIs) and their associated factors among Health Care Workers' (HCWs) at tertiary care
hospitals of Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary care teaching
hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan, representing both private and public health sector. During the months of
January to May 2008, trained medical graduates interviewed 497 HCWs (Doctors and Nurses) who
were working in those particular hospitals for more than a year and were willing to participate in the
study. 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 of
knowledge for the transmission of infectious mononucleosis. Over two third of study subjects were not
vaccinated for hepatitis B infection, again more females (p=0.002) and nurses (p<0.001). Large
numbers 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 syringes
open; these poor practices are significantly more prevalent among those working for more than five
years and doctors (p=0.003). Conclusion: In addition to lack of knowledge, poor practices were
reported in this study. Proper curriculum reform and training are required to protect the health Care
workers and patients. Further research and interventions are suggested in this regards.
Keywords: knowledge, practice, public and private sector, Pakistan.

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Published

2012-12-01

How to Cite

1.
Kumar A, Khuwaja AK, Khuwaja AM. KNOWLEDGE PRACTICE GAPS ABOUT NEEDLE STICK INJURIES AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF PAKISTAN. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad [Internet]. 2012 Dec. 1 [cited 2025 Jul. 6];24(3-4):50-2. Available from: https://jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/1926

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 3-4 (2012): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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