A Cross-sectional Study of Needle Stick Injuries and Associated Risk Factors among Healthcare Workers in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz during Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Needle stick injuries are a significant occupational hazard among healthcare workers posing emotional trauma and financial burdens for further medical evaluation. This retrospective study aimed to determine the prevalence of needle stick injuries during pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 pandemic period among healthcare workers in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) and its associated risk factors. Data were collected from the Infection Control, HCTM from March 2018 till December 2021 with a total of 286 samples obtained using convenient sampling method. The relationship between usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) causing needle stick injuries was obtained by contacting directly to the consented staffs. The prevalence of needle stick injuries in pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019) were 150 staffs compare to 136 cases during COVID-19 period (2020-2021). The risk factor that had been identified in this study for both pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 were age 20 to 30, interns, works in medical departments and needle stick injury during utilisation (p-value<0.01). To conclude, prevalence of needle stick injuries was higher during pre-COVID-19 compared to during COVID-19 period. During utilisation of needles was the primary factor contributing to the occurrence of needle stick injuries.