Needle stick injuries, knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students in Umm Al-Qura University

Background and aim: Approximately 3 million Health Care Workers are exposed to needle stick injuries (NSIs). Although the majority of these accidents have no sequela, at least 20 distinct pathogens, such as hepatitis B and C viruses or human immunodeficiency virus have been reported to be transmitted by NSIs. This study was conducted to determine medical students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of NSIs in Umm AL-Qura University. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted based on an electronic survey formed by Google Forms in April 2022. The survey was distributed to all medical students from the second-year to intern level who is studying at Umm-AL-Qura University. Results: Overall, 359 students were enrolled in this study. Most of the students' age ranged from 21-23 age groups (63.5%), and most of the participants were males (86.6%). The majority of our participants (64.1%) were aware about NSIs, blood and exposure to body fluid. The majority of students had no previous history of NSI (88.3%), compared with students with positive history (11.7%). Most students completed their three HBV vaccination doses (60.77%). Conclusion: Our study reported NSIs' knowledge level, attitudes, practices and preventable methods. Medical students would at Umm Al-Qura university benefit from proper education and training to control and limit the incidence of NSIs.