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Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Sharp injuries: a cross-sectional study among health care workers in a provincial teaching hospital in China

Authors: Zhuo Cui, Jingrui Zhu, Xiangjun Zhang, Bairu Wang, Xiaojun Li

Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

The objectives of this study are to investigate the incidence and reporting behavior of sharp injuries among healthcare workers (HCWs) and identify the risk factors associated with these injuries.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in February 2017 in a provincial teaching hospital in China. Data were collected from 901 HCWs using a self-administered questionnaire which included demographic information, experience, and reporting behavior of sharp injuries. Stepwise logistical regression was used to analyze the risk factors.

Results

HCWs (248 [27.5%]) had sustained a sharp injury in the previous year. Factors including seniority, job category, title, education, department, and training programs were associated with the occurrence of sharp injuries. According to the stepwise logistical regression, seniority, and training programs were the risk factors associated with the occurrence of sharp injuries. Of 248 sharp injuries, 130 HCWs were exposed to blood. Only 44 (33.9%) HCWs reported their injuries to the concerned body. The main reasons for not reporting the sharp injuries were as follows: perception that the extent of the injury was light (30.2%), having antibodies (27.9%), and unaware of injury (16.3%).

Conclusions

Sharp injuries in the studied hospital were common and were likely to be underreported. Therefore, an effective reporting system and sufficient education on occupational safety should be implemented by the relevant institutions. Moreover, it is important to take effective measures to manage sharp injuries in HCWs and provide guidance for their prevention.

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Title: Sharp injuries: a cross-sectional study among health care workers in a provincial teaching hospital in China
Authors: Zhuo Cui
Jingrui Zhu
Xiangjun Zhang
Bairu Wang
Xiaojun Li
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1342-078X
Electronic ISSN: 1347-4715
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-017-0691-y

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Sharp injuries: a cross-sectional study among health care workers in a provincial teaching hospital in China

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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