Needlestick Injuries in the Health Care Workers of Urmia Educational Hospitals

Needlestick, injuries and probable acquisition of blood born pathogens such as HBV, HCV and HIV/AIDS are some occupational hazards that threaten the health of' the health care workers. Considering this important issue, this study was designed and carried out.

Methods & Material: In tins survey 434 health care workers were assessed by completing the standard questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed by statistical software program SPSS.

Results: From all the individuals, 228 people (52.5%) had the history of needlestick injury during work in the last year. 57.3% of women and 45.3% of men had at least 1 event of needlestick in ' jury in the last year which showed a meaningful statistical difference (P‑value =0.015). The highest rate of injury at work was in the internal ward (25.87%). Nursing personnel had the highest rate of injuries (61.5%). The most common procedure which led to these injuries, was needle recapping.

Discussion: With attention of the high rate of needlestick injuries, it seems that continuous nursing personnel could be useful and promoting in reduction of needlestick in juries and the probable acquisition of blood pathogens.