Kye Mon Min Swe , Ratana Somrongthong , Amit Bhardwaj , Adinegara bin lutfi Abas
Background: Needle stick injury (NSIs) is the major transmission source of blood borne infection among health care workers all over the world. Medical students are at a risk of needle stick injury with acquisition of blood-borne infection by pathogens while performing their clinical activities in the hospitals.
Aim & Objectives: The study was aim to determine the prevalence of needle stick injuries among medical students in terms of number of cases and episodes of injuries, to identify the factors associated with the needle-stick injuries and to assess the knowledge of universal precaution, risk perception of needle stick injury among these medical students.
Methods/Study Design: A cross sectional study was conducted among the undergraduate medical students (3rd year to final year) in Melaka, Malaysia from October to December 2012.
Results/Findings: There were total 316 medical students participated in this study, 143 (45.3%) male and 173 (54.7%) female. Among them (76.9%) of students were immunized with Hepatitis B vaccine and 74.4% of them did not have exposure regarding health education to universal precaution. The prevalence of needle stick injury was 63(19.9%) and majority of it occurred at medical ward 51(81%). The cause of injury was mainly due to lack of experience and it was occurred during recapping and during blood withdrawal. 54 (85.7%) of them were wearing the glove during injuries occurred. Most of the injuries were caused by hollow bore needle and only 32(50.8%) of them have taken the immediate post exposure action such as hand washing, encourage bleeding, reporting and immunization.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the awareness of the student with regards to needle stick injury and preventive measure and application on their practical training was poor. It would be recommend that the health education program for needle stick injury and prevention measure should be introduced to all the students intensively and encourage them to apply during their daily practice.
