Frequency of needle stick injury among dental students and dentists of Karachi

Objective: To determine the frequency of needle stick injury in dental practice and to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of the dental students and dentists regarding needle stick injuries prevention. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken at eight different institutes of Karachi from July 2014 to March 2015. Data were collected in 800-sample questionnaire forms that comprised of ten questions in English language. Questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding frequency, awareness and prevention of needle stick injury. Data were entered and analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. Result: A total of 800 samples were returned with a 100% response rate. About 73% participants gave a history of needle stick injury during practice. Of these 42% were the house officers. It was reported that knowledge regarding vaccination against hepatitis B was prevalent among participants. Most of the participants agreed that they have received guidelines regarding prevention and protection from needle stick injury. Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that hepatitis B vaccination is necessary to prevent needle stick injury and proper instruments/guidelines should be given to all health related professionals in order to minimize the risk of bloodborne infections through needle stick injury.