ABSTRACT

Introduction: Needle stick injuries are occupational injuries that occur due to the use of needles while working in the healthcare setting. The most common needles used are hypodermic needles, blood-collection needles, and various sharp instruments. intravenous stylets. This study aims to investigate the incidence of NSIs among healthcare workers at our hospital over 3 years and to explore the underlying causes. 

Materials: The details were collected in a structured reporting form during self-reporting by HCWs who had received needle pricks. Details regarding the mode of injury, viral markers of the patient whose blood or bodily fluids were contaminated by the sharp object that caused the injury, are referred to the source of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. The HCWs’ vaccination status was also recorded. The data were further entered into the Google Excel sheet. The HCWs who were exposed were followed up for seroconversion up to 6 months. 

Results: Over a period of 3 years from 2022-2025, a total of 128 NSI cases, with the highest number reported in 2025. The commonly affected age group was 21-30 years, with a female preponderance. Nursing officers and students were most affected. The highest incidence of cases was reported in the Trauma and Emergency department, followed by the operating theatres. Of the total 128 cases, the source was identified in 107, of which 81 were non-reactive (The rapid HIV test does not find any evidence of HIV infection). Conclusion: We conclude that females, mostly in the younger age group, working in the hospital’s busy emergency areas and operating theatres are affected. There is still a paucity of knowledge regarding NSIs and, more importantly, their management following exposure. This study recommends that more training and awareness regarding NSIs are the need of the hour and should be implemented at an early phase of the career.