Relationship of Gender to Prevalence, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Healthcare Workers Regarding Needle-stick Injuries in Tertiary Care Hospitals

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between gender and prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice regarding needle-stick injuries. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 240 healthcare workers from two tertiary care hospitals were recruited. A self-administered questionnaire was provided to the participating staff who had direct contact with the patients. We evaluated demographics, work-related characteristics, prevalence, knowledge, attitude and practice measures using the questionnaire. Results: Our study included 120 males and 120 females (total 240) healthcare workers. According to this study, the lifetime prevalence of needle stick injury among healthcare workers is 52.5% in Males and 75 % in females. Characteristics such as years of age, marital status, education, department, hours per week, work shift and knowledge were not related to increased tendency of needle-stick injuries. However, work type, work experience, attitude and practice are important predictors. Conclusion: Gender has a positive correlation with needle-stick injuries. The practice and attitude are important factors in determining the prevalence on needle-stick injuries in females.