Assessment of Nurses Knowledge and Awareness of Needle Prick Injury and Adherence to Standard Precautions in Prevention

Abstract

Needle prick injuries (NPIs) remain a significant occupational hazard among healthcare workers, particularly nurses who frequently handle sharp instruments. The objectives were to investigate nurse’s knowledge, awareness of needle prick injury and adherence to standard precautions in prevention, identify factors influencing compliance with preventive measures, and explore reporting practices while recommending strategies for improvement. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving nurses across various units of the hospital. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed a notable prevalence of needle prick injuries among respondents, with varying levels of knowledge and awareness about risks and prevention. Although most nurses demonstrated awareness of standard precautions, adherence to these practices was inconsistent, largely influenced by workload, availability of protective equipment, and institutional support. Reporting of needle prick injuries was suboptimal due to fear of blame, lack of time, and inadequate reporting systems. The study concludes that while awareness of NPI prevention is relatively high, gaps remain in compliance and reporting. It recommends regular training, strict enforcement of safety protocols, provision of adequate protective materials, and establishment of an effective injury reporting and follow-up system to minimize the incidence of needle prick injuries among nurses in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).