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.
