Needlestick and Sharp Injuries among Nursing and Midwifery Students

Background: The students, especially studying at health school students, due to their inadequacy in clinical experience and technical knowledge are at high risk of exposing themselves to blood-borne pathogens via needlestick and sharp injury. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the frequency of needlestick and sharp injuries among nursing and midwifery students, the affecting factors and the practices related to the subject. Methodology: This study was descriptively and retrospectively performed using a questionnaire. It consisted of 18 questions that were composed of the questions concerning demographic features of the students and related to needlestick and sharp injuries. The study was performed in 434 students from the Health School of Selçuk University and accepting to participate in the study. Results: Descriptive statistics and chi-square were used for data analysis. It was determined that among the students, 83.9% were exposed to needlestick and sharp, 66.2% did not wear gloves while performing the practices, 77.9% were vaccinated against hepatitis B, and 91.7% were injured while breaking ampoules. Conclusions: As a consequence of the study, the rate of the use of protective methods was detected to be decreased although the rate of needlestick and sharp was high among health school students.