Investigation of Sharp Injuries in an Educational Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran

Background & Aims of the Study: The Sharp Injuries (SIs) are a percutaneous piercingwound caused by a sharp instrument. Needle Sticks and Sharp Injuries (NSSIs) canincrease the incidence of cases of Hepatitis B, C and HIV. The purpose of this study was toInvestigation of the relative frequency of NSSIs in healthcare workers (HCWs) in Ahvaz,Iran (Razi hospital) over 3-year period (2011–2013).Materials and Methods: A descriptive study during 2011-2013 was conducted on 600HCWs at Razi Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. To measure NSSIs, has been diagnosis andcategorized based on the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS). Data abouthealth workers’ age, sex, site of NSIs injury, ward of hospitalization and case of needlestick were collected. Descriptive statistical by SPSS version 16 used for analyzed data inthis study.Results: According to the results of this study, among all nurses, the maximum cases ofNSIs were HCWs. Regarding the finding, recapping needle were found in 34.17%,handling needle in 20.25%, suturing in 16.45%, passing needle in 13.92%, transit disposalin 8.86% and dissembling needle in 6.32% of cases. Findings showed that the most NSIs inRazi Hospital were general surgery, emergency, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Obstetrics andGynecology (OBGYN), operating room, orthopedic and infectious diseases wards during2011-2013.Conclusion: Based on these findings, the number of health care-associated with NSIsbetween nurses in our study may be due to the shortage of nurses, long working hoursduring the night shift, fatigue and failure to use an appropriate equipment.