Knowledge And Awareness of Needle Stick Injury Among Dental Students

Background: Needle Stick Injury(NSI) and Sharp Injuries are major hazards in transmission of infectious blood borne diseases among Health Care Workers and Medical students who are at a risk of injuries because of daily procedures in performing clinical activities in hospitals. To reduce the risk of increased growth rate of NSIs, there should be an essential need to improve and update knowledge of NSIs and its management by lectures and seminars. Aim: To assess the knowledge and awareness regarding sharp injuries amongst dental students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 103 voluntarily participating dental students who were receiving their undergraduate clinical training in a private Dental College. Data was recorded on a Structured questionnaire to elicit knowledge and awareness towards Needle Stick Injuries. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS Software-23. Results: 76.7% Dental students experienced NSI. 57.28% students aren't aware of the Universal Precaution Guidelines. Adequate number of students had good knowledge and awareness regarding Needle Stick Injury. In practice, a maximum number of students washed hands, used gloves, and recapped needles after use. Pearson chi square test was done and p value obtained for comparing the knowledge between male and female on the awareness of Universal Precaution Guidelines is 0.882(>0.5). Conclusion: Dental students require training and teaching regarding management of Needle Stick Injury and should be encouraged to report it to the concerned authority.