Understanding Needlestick Injuries Among Estonian Nurses: Prevalence, Contributing Conditions, and Safety Awareness

TL;DR

This study examines how often Estonian nurses experience needlestick injuries and identifies factors contributing to these incidents.

Contribution

The study provides insights into NSI prevalence and safety awareness among Estonian nurses, highlighting gaps in reporting and training.

Findings

57.1% of participating Estonian nurses reported experiencing a needlestick injury in the past decade.

Most injuries occurred during sharps disposal and with syringe needles.

Many nurses lacked awareness about proper reporting procedures after an injury.

Abstract

Background/Objective: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a significant source of bloodborne infections among nurses. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, contributing factors, and awareness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among Estonian nurses. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire in September 2024. Results: The majority of the 211 nurses participating in this study were females aged 21 to 75 years. Notably, 57.1% (n = 109, aged 43.9 ± 12.2) had experienced an NSI in the past decade. Most injuries occurred during sharps’ disposal (33%) and with syringe needles (72%). Among those injured, 84% washed the area with water and soap, 80% used alcohol-based disinfectants, and 69% reported the incident. However, 20.6% did not report due to perceived insignificance or lack of follow-up actions. Additionally, 14.7% were unaware of the reporting requirement, and 8.8% did not know who to report to. Conclusions: Improved training and reporting practices are essential to reduce NSIs among nurses.

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