The prevalence of sharp object injuries among the operating room staff

Context: Identification and investigation of the prevalence of factors that may cause needlestick injuries can provide a field ground about preventive planning. 

Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of sharp object injuries among the operating room staff of Ahvaz educational hospitals in 2017. 

Settings and Design: In the present cross-sectional descriptive study, attempts are made to assess the prevalence of needlestick injuries among 104 operating room staff (Bachelor of Science) of Imam Khomeini, Razi, Golestan hospitals of Ahvaz. 

Materials and Methods: Researcher-made questionnaire was sued for data collection. 

Statistical Analysis Used: The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and descriptive statistical tests (mean, standard deviation, and relative frequency) and analytical tests (independent t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher test). 

Results: The results of this study showed that suture needle is the most common cause of needlestick injury. Factors that affect the frequency of needlestick injuries include overhastiness (76%), significant workload (70.2%), and not taking precautions (63.5%). Most needlestick injuries occur during surgery (90.4%), removal of needle (19.2%), washing of contaminated instruments (13.5%), and blood drawing and injection (6.7%). The most frequent taken measure after sustaining needlestick injuries is washing of hands with soap and water (82.7%). 

Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of needlestick in the operating room, it is necessary to develop programs to prevent this problem.