KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE REGARDING NEEDLE STICK INJURY AMONG NURSES OF TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS OF LAHORE

Abstract

Background & Objective:  Needle stick injuries (NSIs) constitute a critical occupational hazard for health care personnel, exposing them to dangerous blood-borne pathogens such as Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and clinical practice regarding needle stick injuries among staff nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 randomly selected staff nurses at Children Hospital, Lahore, during July–August 2025. Data were gathered using a structured pre-tested questionnaire capturing demographic profiles, exposure risk, post-injury behaviors, and disposal practices. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0.

Results: A total of 48.5% of staff nurses reported sustaining at least one sharp injury during their professional practice, with house officers and junior nurses being most frequently affected. Following an NSI, only 31% underwent post-exposure laboratory screening, and a minimal 11% formally reported the incident to hospital authorities or supervisors. Furthermore, 64% of nurses improperly recapped needles post-procedure. Although 66% reported general awareness of Universal Standard Precautions, only 38% were fully knowledgeable regarding institutional NSI protocols. The primary cause of injury was identified as accidental slip (67%), followed by lack of training/awareness (12%).

Conclusion: High prevalence rates of NSI coupled with sub-optimal post-exposure reporting and testing emphasize significant gaps between knowledge and clinical practices. Comprehensive educational programs, standardized post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) protocols, mandatory reporting frameworks, and proper disposal equipment are urgently required.