Prevalence of sharps injuries among nursing staff at hospitals in Kirkuk city

الملخص EN

Background : infectious disease can transmitted indirectly to the health care worker especially nursing staff through multiple or misuse of needles and sharp instruments.

Aims of the study : the study aimed to assess the prevalence of sharps injuries and its protective measures for nursing staff at Kirkuk city hospitals.

Methodology : a descriptive design was carried out at Kirkuk city hospitals for nursing staff from 1st of February, 2020, up to the 1st of September, 2020.

a non-probability (convenience sampling) of (166) nurses both male and female from selected working site in the hospital were selected.

the questionnaire was designed by the researcher to achieve the purpose of the study.

the questionnaire was consisted of four parts: part Ι: the demographic data of the participants, part ΙΙ: the equipment associated sharps injuries.

part ΙΙΙ: factors associated with sharp injuries.

and part ΙΙΙΙ: availability of protective measures for sharp injuries.

the data were collected through the use of self-administration technique.

they were analyzed through the application of descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical data analysis.

Results : the results indicated that the most equipment that cause sharp injuries were syringe needles (52%), and glasses such as ampoules (25%).

Conclusions : the study concluded that the most factors causing sharp injuries were frequent injectable drugs (89%), the crowded patients (82%), and the inadequate training sessions for nursing staff.

Recommendations : providing the necessary and safety tools to prevent injuries such as syringes with self-cover and a special base for needle cover.