Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding needle stick injuries among medical students in a Government Medical College, Bengaluru

Sushma S. Chandrashekar; Kishore S. Gudegowda; Anjali Vannadil; Ranganath T. Sobagaiah; N. Ramakrishna Reddy

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20251391

Authors

Sushma S. Chandrashekar Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Kishore S. Gudegowda Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Anjali Vannadil Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Ranganath T. Sobagaiah Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
N. Ramakrishna Reddy Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20251391

Keywords:

Hep B vaccination, Hypodermic needles, Medical students, Needlestick injury

Abstract

Background: A needle stick injury (NSI) is the penetration of skin resulting from a needle or other sharp object that, before the exposure, was in contact with blood, tissue, or other body fluid. Needle-stick injuries are most prevalent within the healthcare sector. Although the immediate physical effects of a needlestick injury are usually minimal, these injuries significantly increase the risk of transmitting blood-borne diseases to those exposed in occupational settings. This study is done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding needlestick injuries among medical students in a government medical college, Bengaluru.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students of a government medical college in Bengaluru. 350 Students were participated in the study (70 students from each year). Students were selected by using stratified random sampling method, participants were given a semi-structured and pre–tested questionnaire to fill.

Results: Among 350 medical students (mean age 21.09±1.92 years, 240 males and 110 females), 81.4% were vaccinated against Hepatitis B, and 52% received training on safe device use in the past year. While 78.9% believed NSI are preventable, 72.9% were aware of the infections transmitted through NSI. A total of 231 students (66%) demonstrated good knowledge, 262 (74.85%) had a positive attitude, and 186 (53.14%) exhibited good practices regarding NSI.

Conclusions: Overall, the knowledge about the needle stick injuries regarding various aspects like disposal of the sharp objects and infection caused by NSI is good.

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