ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NURSES’ KNOWLEDGE REGARDING NEEDLE STICK INJURY AND THEIR CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE HOSPITALS OF KARACHI

Abstract

Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are one of the major occupational hazards among nurses and health care personnel as they are exposed to serious blood borne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus. It is essential to have adequate knowledge on the prevention and management of NSIs to maintain workplace safety and to reduce occupational exposure. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between nurses’ knowledge about needle stick injury and their professional experience. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional descriptive correlational research design. Data were collected from 73 participants through non-probability convenience sampling technique. Research Instrument: A structured self-administered questionnaire was used as the research instrument. It included demographic information and Knowledge related questions on needle stick injury prevention, reporting, first aid and post-exposure management. In the study, ethical principles have been followed; permission from the concerned authority, informed consent of participants, confidentiality, anonymity, and voluntary participation have been maintained. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS . The results showed that the majority of participants had good knowledge on immediate reporting of NSIs, transmission of blood-borne pathogens, first aid management and post-exposure testing . Some misconceptions were identified about needle recapping, sharps disposal and safety-engineered devices. Correlation analysis indicated a weak positive but statistically insignificant relationship between experience and knowledge (r = .127, p = .284) suggesting that more experience did not significantly increase knowledge levels. The study found that overall nurse’s knowledge regarding NSIs was adequate but experience was not a major factor in influencing knowledge. Therefore, the study recommends regular educational programs, strict enforcement of infection control policies, availability of safety equipment, strengthening of reporting mechanisms and conducting more research with larger sample sizes to enhance occupational safety and decrease needle stick injuries among healthcare personnel.