An Investigation into Occupational Hazards Faced by Nurses in Paediatrics Hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2006-2009

Background Injuries resulting from sharp and cutting objects and exposure to patients’ blood and other body fluids are considered as one of the most important occupational hazards facing health care personnel due to exposure to blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV. The aim of this study is to investigate occupational hazards that involve safe handling of sharp and penetrating objects by nursing staff working in paediatrics hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (2006–2009). Methods In this descriptive study, nursing personnel employed at the paediatrics hospitals of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were selected. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire containing two parts; part one was related to demographic information and part two focussed on details of injurious incidents. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 16. Results The study population reported 134 needle stick injuries(134HCWs exposure group, 380 HCW1s not exposure group). The incidence rate of NSI was 26.07% (8.17% per year). In most cases, needles (40.3%) and vein catheters (28.36%) were accounted for injuries. IV access (31.33%) and recapping of needles (20.9%) were most common action resulted to exposure. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic variables except in work experience between two groups. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, the incidence rate of NSI among HCWs working in paediatrics wards was less than those of other studies in different countries. This might be related to inadequate reporting, and also our results emphasize the importance of training and education of nursing personnel for reporting needle stick injuries.