Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Safe Handling and Disposal of Surgical Sharps among Healthcare Workers in Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66021/pakmcr1861Keywords:
Sharps Injury, Needle-Stick Injury, Healthcare Workers, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Infection Control, Occupational Safety, PakistanAbstract
Background: Proper handling and disposal of surgical instruments that are sharp is an important part of preventing the spread of infection in the healthcare arena. Needle stick and sharps injuries are a serious workplace problem for healthcare professionals, where the risk posed to involve blood borne diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding surgical sharps handling and disposing of the Healthcare Workers at Mardan Medical Complex.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 263 healthcare workers comprising doctors, nurses, technologists and technicians. The questionnaire consisted of two questions that were structured and self-administered: socio-demographic questions and KAP-related questions. The data were analyzed statistically using statistical software. The association between variables was evaluated by the chi-square test, and frequencies and percentages were calculated. Logistic regression was run to determine the factors associated with good practices. P-value <0.05 was used to determine statistical significance.
Results: Most participants had a satisfactory level of awareness (69.20%) and positive attitude (60.08%) about sharps safety. But only 55.89% had good practices. The proportion of people reporting having suffered needle-stick injuries was high (77.19%), with only 55.89% reporting it to a body. There were no statistically significant differences in socio-demographic variables in reporting behavior (p > 0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that knowledge, training and experience were not significantly associated with good practice, while training was borderline (AOR = 0.61, p = 0.08).
Conclusion: Healthcare workers also have adequate knowledge and relatively positive attitudes about safe practices, but safe use of sharps is still suboptimal. The result signifies an important knowledge and practice gap. To improve compliance with the safe handling of sharps, it is key that training programs are strengthened, reporting systems are improved, and strict institutional policies are in place.
