A Study of Needle-Stick Injury Incidence amongst Healthcare Workers and its Root Cause Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Puja Ojha, Beena Valson, Dr. Deepika Handa, Dr. Neha Minocha, D. Maryline Flinsi

Abstract: Introduction: Needle-stick injuries (NSIs) are a significant occupational hazard among healthcare workers, especially in high-risk areas such as operation theatres and dialysis units. These injuries increase the risk of transmission of blood-borne infections such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Factors such as improper sharps disposal, heavy workload, fatigue, and non-adherence to standard precautions contribute to the occurrence of NSIs. Aim: To assess the incidence of needle-stick injuries among healthcare workers and to identify the root causes contributing to these injuries in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive study design will be used. Data will be collected from Infection Control Nurse (ICN) records of reported NSI cases. The data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, and the prevalence of NSIs will be calculated. The findings will be presented using tables and graphical representations. Results: A total of 15 needle-stick injury (NSI) cases were reported among 355 healthcare workers, with a prevalence of 4.22%. Most cases occurred among females (64%) and nurses (50%), mainly in the operation theatre (36%) and dialysis unit (21%). Injuries commonly occurred during procedures (64%), especially surgical procedures (50%), and were primarily caused by hollow-bore needles (64%). Unsafe practices were the leading cause (87%). A rising trend was observed from January to September (14 cases), followed by a significant reduction after implementation of preventive measures, with only one case in October and none thereafter. Conclusion: NSIs remain an occupational risk primarily due to unsafe practices. The significant reduction following targeted interventions highlights the effectiveness of preventive strategies and the need for sustained adherence to safety protocols.

Keywords: Needle-Stick Injury (NSI), Healthcare Worker (HCW), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Preventive Measures, Prevalence, Disease, Infection, Standard precautions

How to Cite?: Puja Ojha, Beena Valson, Dr. Deepika Handa, Dr. Neha Minocha, D. Maryline Flinsi, "A Study of Needle-Stick Injury Incidence amongst Healthcare Workers and its Root Cause Analysis in a Tertiary Care Hospital", Volume 15 Issue 4, April 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1214-1224, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26420124620, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26420124620

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