Assessment of the Prevalence of Needlestick Injuries among Health Care Workers in the Catholic Hospital, Battor in the North Tongu District of Volta Region, Ghana

Abstract

Background Over the years, health care workers have been exposed to blood borne infections like HIV, HCV and HBV as a result of needle stick injuries. The prevalence of needle stick injuries keep on increasing among health care workers, hence its public health importance. This study aims at assessing the prevalence of needle stick injuries among health care workers in the Catholic hospital, Battor in the Volta region of Ghana and how they cope with it economically and psychologically. Methodology A cross sectional study design with the use of structured questionnaire were conducted among health care workers in the Catholic Hospital, Battor, Ghana. Questionnaires were administered to all health care workers who work in patient care areas (N=203) at the facility. A mixed method analysis (qualitative and quantitative) was conducted to assess the prevalence, associations, and burdens of needlestick injuries. Results Overall, the prevalence of needle stick injuries among health care workers in the Catholic hospital, Battor was 34.16%. Of these, there are 68.12% females and 31.88% were males. Work place pressure was the only statistically significant variable (55.07%, p value=0.00) associated with needle stick injuries in the hospital. A qualitative analysis of the study shows anxiety and fear as the main psychological burden of health care workers who had needle stick injuries. Economically, health care workers spent between GH¢ 500.00 to GH¢1000.00 as extra cost on food during the period of taking the prophylaxis. Conclusion The prevalence of needle stick injuries in the Catholic hospital, Battor is increasing (7 cases from January 2014 to December 2015 were reported and 69(34.16%) cases from January 2016 to December 2018) even though at a lower rate than studies from Sub- Saharan Africa and other parts of the world. Underreporting is also a major problem identified by the study (42.55%). Health care workers also spend about GH¢500.00 to GH¢1000.00 on food items during the period of taking the post exposure prophylaxis. Health care workers experience fear and anxiety as psychological burden.