Knowledge, attitude and associated factors regarding consequences of needle prick injuries among medical students of FHCS

Abstract

Needle prick injuries are highly preventable by following standard precautions. Vaccination is the common method of prevention. Lack of knowledge, access or failure to use appropriate practice increases the risk of consequences. FHCS students who are currently practicing in Clinical setup are more prone to get needle stick injuries. Thus, our objective of the research is to assess the knowledge, Attitude and Associated factors regarding needle prick injuries among medical students of FHCS. Study method is descriptive cross-sectional study. And it was conducted among medical students of faculty of health care sciences, who give consent to participate. Our targeted sample size is 439, which includes 12th to 16th batch medical students. Data was collected using structured self-administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS software. Our questionnaire contained four sections which includes demographic data, knowledge among medical students of FHCS regarding consequences of needle prick injuries, attitude regarding needle pick injuries and associated factors regarding needle prick injuries. A pertest questionnaire was carried out one month prior to data collection among 10 students who satisfy inclusion criteria. [annexures; questionnaire p.38]. Out of targeted 439 medical students 346 were participated in this study. Among them 60% were male and 40% were female [table 4.1]. Age distribution ranges from 21 to 28 [table 4.2]. 98% were unmarried [table 4.3]. Majority of the participants from 15th batch [table 4.4]. 54% of the students have clinical exposure and rest of the students not started clinicals yet [table 4.5]. knowledge among medical students of FHCS regarding consequences of needle prick injuries overall results showed 20 of the participants (5.8%) have adequate knowledge. 181 (52.3%) of the participants have moderate amount of knowledge and 145 (41.9%) of the participants have minimal knowledge [chart 4.1]. 09(2.6%) have good attitudes. 172 (49.7%) of the participants have neutral attitudes. 165 (47.7%) of the participants have poor attitudes [chart 4.2]. 76 (22.0%) of participants’ associated factors are satisfactory. 270 (78.0%) of the participants’ associated factors are unsatisfactory [table 4.17]. This study at a teaching hospital in Batticaloa found that many medical students lack knowledge about preventing and handling needles stick injuries (NSIs). Only a small percentage have adequate knowledge and attitudes. There’s room for improvement in reporting rates and safe practices, including hepatitis B vaccination. This study underscores the need for better education and awareness regarding NSIs among medical students.