The Pattern of Sharps Injury to Health Care Workers at Witbank Hospital

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to identify procedures, areas of activity, occupational groups and other variables, which carry a high risk of transmission of blood borne infections from patients to Health Care Workers (HCW) at Witbank Hospital. Method: This was a descriptive - cross sectional study, which was conducted among Health Care Workers of Witbank Hospital, who were directly involved in patient care over the analyzed 2 year period (1.01.03 - 31.12.04). Results: 435 Health Care Workers completed the questionnaires. 46, 7% of respondents had suffered from either needlestick /sharps injury (74, 47%) or contamination of skin/mucous membranes (25, 53%). 76, 9% of all needlestick/sharps injuries were inflicted by injection needles. Taking blood was the most dangerous procedure/activity, being responsible for 29, 56% of all injuries. 44, 61% of injured HCW reported 1 injury, 45, 59% reported 2-3 injuries and 9, 8% were injured more than 3 times. The youngest interviewed group (20-29 years old) was injured most frequently (61, 9%). Professional nurses who are the largest professional group employed at hospital were involved in 41, 38% of all reported injuries. Interns reported the highest rates of injury - 84, 37% of them were injured at least once. Conclusion: This study showed that there is a well-defined pattern of injuries, which can lead to transmission of blood borne infections from patients to Health Care Workers at Witbank Hospital.