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THE PREVALENCE OF NEEDLE STICK INJURIES (NSIS) AND HEPATITIS B VACCINATION COVERAGE AMONG HCWS IN TWO LARGE HOSPITALS IN AL-KARKH DISTRICT/BAGHDAD

The health care worker (HCW) is at substantial risk of acquiring blood-borne pathogen infections through exposure to blood or infectious body fluids. Hepatitis B vaccination of HCWs and optimal HCW practices regarding management of injuries can minimize these risks. The aim is to determine the prevalence of needle stick injuries (NSIs) and hepatitis B vaccination coverage among HCWs in two large hospitals in Al-Karkh District/Baghdad assess their knowledge about NSIs, and safe methods practiced to prevent exposure to blood-borne pathogens. A cross-sectional study performed on a sample composed of HCW in Al-Yermouk Teaching Hospital & Al-Eskan Central Teaching Hospital for Children in Al-Karkh District for the period of three months from June to August 2015. All available HCW personnel were enrolled in the study (121 doctors, 50 laboratory workers, and 203 nurses). Well-structured questionnaire, containing close-ended questions with multiple choices were filled. The prevalence of NSIs among HCW was 86.6%. Nurses were involved in 95.1% of instances, commonest age of involvement 40 years and older. HCW in surgical, gynecological and obstetric departments showed highest prevalence of injury 95.6%. Concerning the type of procedure injury, 52.5% of health workers had their injuries occurred while using hollow bore needles. The highest stage of blood taking injury occurred while recapping of needles and during removal of needle cap (36.7% for each). Reasons for not reporting injuries were significantly associated with having a high incidence of NSIs.74.3% of HCWs received Hepatitis B vaccine, 187 of them completed the doses but no significant relation between vaccination and NSIs could be found. A very high accidental needle stick injuries with high risk for occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens were found in addition most HCWs were not fully practiced to follow s tandard precautions or to report the accident although they have adequate knowledge. A high percentage of HCWs did not complete their Hepatitis vaccination scheduled doses. Education about transmission of blood-borne infections, vaccination, and post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended to be implemented and strictly monitored.