Needle Stick Injuries and Compliance among Doctors and Nurses

Abstract

225 Doctors and nurses are increasingly exposed to a range of occupational hazards in the workplace. Needle stick injury (NSI) is of increasing concern to employers and health professionals. In the USA it is estimated that 600,000 to 800,000 NSIs occur annually1. The first case of needle stick-transmitted HIV infection was reported in 1984, and this case served as to alert both employers and employees to the risks associated with sharp instrument injury2. The risk of transmission of infection after an occupational percutaneous exposure with a contaminated needle varies according to blood-borne virus, which could be HIV O.3%, HBV 2-40% and HCV 2.7-10%3.