Needlestick and sharps injuries among nurses at Atatürk university research hospital and their practices after injury
Methods: All 562 nurses working at Atatürk University Research Hospital during September-November 2016 were invited to fill a questionnaire with 27 items. Questions were asked about the sociodemographic characteristics,having experienced NSI, usage of protective equipment, and hepatitis B vaccination status. A total of 555 (98.7%) nurses volunteered to participate. Verbal consent was taken from the participants.
Results: Of the participants, 425 (76.6%) were females, and 130 (23.4%) were males. Their mean age was 27.5 ± 7.4 years. 52.6% (n = 293) of the participants were in the surgical clinics while 47.4% (n = 262) were in the medical clinics. Of the participants, 21.6% (n = 120) stated that they experienced a needlestick or sharps injury within the last one year. Of those injuries, 16.7% (n = 20) happened while removing the needle tip from the syringe, 29.2% (n = 35) while trying to reattach the needle cap, 16.7% (n = 20) while filling the syringe, and 12.5% (n = 15) while drawing blood from the patient.
Conclusion: Health workers should be trained on injuries and all other occupational risks with cutting and puncturing tools, and they should be instructed on the use of protective equipment.
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Article Information
- Article Type Research Article
- Submitted February 21, 2026
- Published January 3, 2019
- Issue Vol. 5 No. 1 (2019)
- Section Research Article
