Abstract
Background: Sharp instrument and needlestick injuries (NSIs) are among the most common occupational hazards faced by healthcare workers (HCWs), exposing them to blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. Despite the implementation of infection prevention guidelines, these injuries remain a significant public health concern, particularly in resource-limited healthcare settings.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of sharp instrument and needlestick injuries among healthcare workers and to identify the associated risk factors and preventive practices in a district-level public hospital in Pakistan.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 250 healthcare workers at District Headquarters Hospital Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan, between July 2025 and May 2026. Participants included doctors, nurses, laboratory/surgical assistants, and sanitary workers selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, injury history, risk factors, and preventive measures. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed using SPSS version 20.0, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Overall, 96.8% of participants reported experiencing at least one sharp instrument or needlestick injury during their professional practice. Operating rooms (47.6%) and emergency wards (21.2%) were the most common locations of injury, while injector syringes (42.8%) and suture needles (26.8%) were the leading causative devices. Invasive procedures (32.0%) and blood collection or medication administration (21.2%) were the most frequent activities associated with injuries. Working in multiple shifts was significantly associated with injury occurrence, whereas age, gender, and occupational category showed no significant association. Only 37.6% of injured workers received post-exposure treatment.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates an alarmingly high prevalence of sharp instrument injuries among healthcare workers, highlighting substantial deficiencies in occupational safety practices. Strengthening infection prevention programs, improving access to personal protective equipment, promoting safe needle handling, and enhancing post-exposure management are essential to reduce occupational risks and protect healthcare personnel