Examining Knowledge Regarding Needlestick Injuries Among Students in Higher Healthcare Education
Author(s)
Janina Zilai, BSc1, Ilona Karácsony, BSc, MSc, PhD2, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD1, József Betlehem, BSc, MSc, PhD3, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD3.
1Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
1Institute for Health Insurance, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs, Szombathely, Hungary, 3Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to examine the frequency of needlestick, and sharp object injuries sustained by healthcare students during their clinical and demonstration practices. A secondary objective is to assess students' level of knowledge regarding bloodborne infections and the prevention and management of such injuries.
METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2025 using an online questionnaire. Through non-random, convenience sampling, 155 students who had participated in nursing practice were included in the research. The self-designed questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, knowledge about bloodborne infections, and information on the prevention, management, and reporting of needlestick and sharp object injuries. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 29.0 software. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, two-sample t-tests, and analysis of variance were applied (p<0.05).
RESULTS: The students’ year of study did not influence their level of knowledge regarding injuries caused by needlestick or sharp objects (p=0.91), nor their knowledge related to prevention (p=0.39). Students who had previously experienced such injuries did not possess a higher level of knowledge about prevention compared to those who had not (p=0.92). There was no difference in the number of needlestick injuries or in the related knowledge among students of different study schedules (p=0.72 and p=0.28, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: It is important to improve healthcare students’ knowledge about needlestick injuries and to develop strategies that help them understand the appropriate actions to take after such incidents. Emphasis should be placed on prevention and management of these injuries throughout all academic years so that students are equipped with adequate knowledge.
METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2025 using an online questionnaire. Through non-random, convenience sampling, 155 students who had participated in nursing practice were included in the research. The self-designed questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, knowledge about bloodborne infections, and information on the prevention, management, and reporting of needlestick and sharp object injuries. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 29.0 software. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis, two-sample t-tests, and analysis of variance were applied (p<0.05).
RESULTS: The students’ year of study did not influence their level of knowledge regarding injuries caused by needlestick or sharp objects (p=0.91), nor their knowledge related to prevention (p=0.39). Students who had previously experienced such injuries did not possess a higher level of knowledge about prevention compared to those who had not (p=0.92). There was no difference in the number of needlestick injuries or in the related knowledge among students of different study schedules (p=0.72 and p=0.28, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: It is important to improve healthcare students’ knowledge about needlestick injuries and to develop strategies that help them understand the appropriate actions to take after such incidents. Emphasis should be placed on prevention and management of these injuries throughout all academic years so that students are equipped with adequate knowledge.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
EPH99
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Organizational Practices
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas