Epidemiology of Needle Stick-Sharp Injuries (NSSIs) and Potential High Risk Exposures among Health Professionals in Ethiopia: Neglected Public Health Concern

Abstract

Health professionals are exposed to a wide range of hazards in the workplace. Needle stick injuries have been recognized as one of the occupational hazards. Healthcare worker handling sharp devices or equipment is at risk of occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens. Despite the burden of potential exposures, in Ethiopia, there are only few researches that have been conducted; as a result there is clearly paucity of information on this regard. The aim of the research conducted was to determine the epidemiology of needle stick-sharp injuries and high risk exposures among health professionals in public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hospital based cross sectional survey conducted among health professionals at public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A pretested and structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data on socio-demographic, needle stick injury and other high risk exposures. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.Statistical significance was declared at P-value