PREVALENCE OF NEEDLE STICK AND SHARP-RELATED INJURIES AMONG CLINICAL MEDICAL STUDENTS OF LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

Abstract

Background: Needle stick and sharp injuries (NSSI)
occur commonly amongst health workers including
medical students with a potential for transmission of
nosocomial infections. This study was carried out to
determine the prevenlence of needle stick and sharp -
related injuries among clinical medical students of Lagos
State University College of Medicine, Ikeja.
Methodology: The study was a cross sectional study
conducted amongst medical students undergoing their
clinical rotations at the Lagos State University College of
Medicine using pre-tested, self-administered
questionnaires. The questionnaire elicited information on
the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of
and prevalence NSSIs and actions taken following an
NSSI. The data was analysed using SPSS 21.0.
Results: The mean age of the respondents was
24.7+3.3 years and half of the students were in their
fourth year (ï€rst year clinicals). The majority (98%) were
aware of the dangers of needle stick and sharp injuries.
One out of ï€ve (23%) had experienced an NSSI during
their clinical postings and 60% of the NSSIs occurred in
their ï€rst clinical year. Only half had received the
complete dose of hepatitis B virus vaccination. The
majority (89%) always wore gloves when handling
sharps and a third (33%) never attempt to recap needles.
About 4% did not take any action following an NSSI.
Conclusions: Medical students are at a high risk for
needle stick injuries. There is the need for more training
of medical students about protective measures against
needle stick and sharp related injuries. Preventive
strategies to reduce this risk should be instituted.