Risk Groups for Needlestick Injury Among Healthcare Workers in Children's Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

Objective: Needlestick injuries are important for healthcare workers due to their morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the risk group of needlestick injuries (NSIs) among healthcare workers, and possible risk groups, actions, and prevention practices of the healthcare workers. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 249 healthcare workers(doctors, nursing staff, laboratory technicians and the cleaning personnel) in a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Turkey. Results: Among the 249 healthcare workers, there were 35 physicians, 124 nursing staff, 11 laboratory technicians and 79 cleaning personnel. Seventy (28.1%) were males, 179 (71.9%) were females. The most common equipment associated with needlestick injury were syringe needles (54.6 %), followed by intravenous cannula (peripheral catheter) (17.2%). In 103 (41.2%) cases, the injury occurred during use of the needle, with the greater part of injuries (24%) while establishing a venous access. Most healthcare workers experienced hand injuries (%82.7). Conclusion: This study revealed that the high risk group for needlestick injury was nurses followed by the cleaning personnel. Healthcare workers did not take the necessary measures for themselves. Needlestick injuries could be prevented easily by increasing the use of needles when needed, increasing awareness for using devices with safety features, promoting education and safe work practices for needles and related systems.