Evalution of health care workers with cutting and piercing i̇njuries

Evaluation Of Health Care Workers With Cutting And Piercing İnjuries This research is a descriptive type study aim at determining the incidence of injury cause by sharp and pointed tools among health workers. The study also aim at investigating the factors leading cuts and puncture injuries, create awareness, preventive measures and practical knowledge of procedures to undertake after acquiring injuries such injuries. The study was perform with permission from two private hospitals between in October-November 2013 in the European part of Istanbul province. Participants consist of nurses and hospital personnel's working in the private hospitals. The sampled population consists of 134 nurses and 97 hospital personals. Data was collected using questionnaires prepared in accordance literatures from all 231participants in the study. The data obtained from the study was statistically analyzed using the NCSS (Number cruncher statistical system) 2007 and PASS (Power Analyzer and Sample Size) programs. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. From the data obtain, the ages of the participants' ranges between18 and 58, 42% of them are or not primary school graduates and 25.1% are at least university graduates. 91.3% admitted to being vaccinated against hepatitis B, 71,9% admitted checking the protective effect of the vaccine, whereas 76,2% are immune against Hepatitis B (AntiHbsg+). The Nurses claim they posses higher risk scores than the hospital personnel's, 39,8% admitted to be previously injured. The ages and education qualifications of the previously injured were lower and they feel their risk levels are higher. Those previously injured are mostly Ward nurse and nurses from the surgical units. 52.2% are Injuries to the right hand with a needle, 27,7% injuries were acquired while trying to recap an injector while 69,6% of hospital personnel got injured while collecting hospital waste. 78.4% think inattentiveness is the reasons for injuries as a result of sharp and pointed tools. Scores of those that responded "I will never try to recap and injector" was found to be higher in previously injured participants as compared to those that are not, Whereas the scores of those whose response was " I wear hand gloves, white coats and mask for self protection" was found to be lower in previously Injured participants. Keywords: Penetrating injuries of health care workers, Protection of cutting and piercing injuries