Epidemiology of percutaneous exposure to needlestick and sharp object injuries in the Botswana public health sector: A health facility cross sectional study

• Main Author: Styn M Jamu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Makhdoomi Printers 2016-01-01
• Series: Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health
• Subjects: Percutaneous Exposure; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); Needlestick
• Online Access: http://gjmedph.com/uploads/O5-Vo5No2.pdf

Objective To evaluate the extent and distribution of needlestick and sharp object injuries in the Botswana public health sector. Methods This was a cross-section study carried out in eight hospitals and 72 clinics and health posts. Results The study comprised of 885 randomly selected healthcare workers. The sample included medical doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, and dental staff and housekeeping staff. The reference group was a sample of housekeeping staff. The lifelong prevalence of needle-stick injuries was 48.9% (95% CI: 45.6, 52.2). Life-long prevalence was significantly higher in nurses (Adjusted Odds ratio [Adj. OR] = 4.1, 95% CI: 3.0, 5.7), medical doctors (Adj. OR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.1, 8.4) compared with the reference. The prevalence of needlestick and sharp object injuries in six-month duration was 11.8% (95% CI: 9.6%, 14.0%). Nurses (Adj. OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.0, 6.1) were three times likely to sustain injuries in a six-month period compared with the reference group. Most injuries occurred at patient’s bedside and in the emergency departments. Disposable syringes caused most of the injuries, often during and immediately after a medical procedure. Conclusions: Healthcare workers in Botswana remain at risk of percutaneous exposure to needlestick and sharp object injuries. They are at an increased risk of bloodborne infections including HIV.