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

• DOI: 10.11648/j.ajhr.20150305.16
• Publication Date: 2015-11-16T10:20:58Z
• Authors: Zelalem Desalegn
• Keywords: Health Professionals

Health professionals are exposed to a wide range of hazards in the workplace. Needle stick injuries have been recognized as one occupational hazards. Healthcare worker handling sharp devices or equipment is at risk exposure blood borne pathogens. Despite burden potential exposures, Ethiopia, there only few researches that conducted; result clearly paucity information on this regard. The aim research conducted was determine epidemiology needle stick-sharp and high exposures among health public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Hospital based cross sectional survey A pretested structured questionnaire utilized collect data socio-demographic, injury other exposures. Data analyzed using SPSS version 16.Statistical significance declared P-value <=0.05.Of total study participants, prevalence sustained (NSIs) found 155(61.2%) 127(50%), respectively. Majority subjects, which account 184(72.4%) 153(60.2%) them were for while ungloved body fluid, Consistent use gloves reported by 52.4% respondents. Of 9(3.5%) respondents vaccinated against hepatitis B virus infection. potentially infectious fluids including blood, injuries, factors high. But, indicated very small percentages partially HBV. Taking into chance exposure, need focus efforts mitigating pathogen transmission through making work place environment safe available vaccine vaccinating all care workers start their career.