The evaluation of knowledge level of nursing and midwifery students about sharp object injuries

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge level of nursing and midwifery students on sharp object injuries and determine factors acting on this knowledge level. Methods and Materials: This research is a descriptive study. The sample of the study consisted of 250 students who were educated in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th class of nursing and midwifery between 25.02.19 and 25.03.19 and accepted to participate in the research. Data of the research have been collected using by "Student Information Form" and "Attitude Scale for the Safe Use of Medical Sharp Objects by Medical Professionals". Results: The average age of nursing and midwifery students is 21,6±2,28, and 24,80% of these students have graduated form health vocational high school. 17,60% of these students work now and 27,27% of employees have stated that they work in surgical service. 43,60% of the students have stated that they were injured by a sharp objects and 57,80% of them were injured while preparing the medicine. 64.22% of the students exposed to injury have been injured by needle tip and 31.19% of them by pharmaceutical vial. After injury, 61.47% of the students have washed the injured area with plenty of water and soap and 11.01% of them have reported this to the health institution. 78,80% of the students have stated that they have been trained about use of sharp objects and 83,25% of those who received this training have stated that they took it during formal education. According to "Attitude Scale for the Safe Use of Medical Sharp Objects by Medical Professionals", lowest score (4,26±1,43) and highest score (4,86±0,36) has been given to "I put used needles and other sharp tools into the medical waste bin" and "Invasive intervention units should have a medical waste bin" respectively. Scale average total score is 114,33±8,83 (min.79-max.125). Conclusion: It has been determined that the students who study in the departments of nursing and midwifery have a good level of attitude towards safe use of medical sharp objects.