KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS NEEDLE STICK INJURY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS AT SAIDA WAHEED FMH COLLEGE OF NURSING, LAHORE

Abstract

Background: An injury caused by a needle or a sharp object is known as a needle-stick injury (NSI). The injury is usually not serious, but it may pose problems if the needle is contaminated with blood or other body fluids. Needle stick injuries can be dangerous as they can transmit blood-borne pathogens, such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. As these injuries are common in nursing students yet they are not always reported. Workshops and seminars aimed at professionals and nursing students regarding the risks of sharps injuries, blood-borne pathogens, and associated infections are crucial for lowering the rate at which these incidents occur.

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice towards needle stick injury among undergraduate nursing students in Lahore.

Materials and Methods: This quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study will be conducted among 3^rd year and final year nursing students of Saida Waheed college of nursing.

Results: The study findings showed that the majority of participants had good knowledge (70.7%), positive attitude (69.8%), and good practice (87.1%) regarding needle stick injuries. However, reporting of NSI incidents was found to be inadequate despite satisfactory knowledge and practice levels.

Conclusion: Although nursing students demonstrated adequate knowledge and preventive practices, gaps remain in reporting behavior. Continuous education, supportive reporting systems, and strict adherence to infection control protocols are necessary to enhance occupational safety.