Knowledge and Awareness towards Non-Sterile Occupational Injuries and Preventive Measures Used by Final Year Students and Interns of Nursing, Dental and Medical College in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction The present study was conducted to assess non-sterile occupational injuries and preventive measures in final year students and interns of nursing, dental, and medical college.
Methods: 310 dental, nursing, and medical students were asked about occupational injuries such as needle stick injuries, blood splashes, use of a head cap, face shield, head cap, vaccination, and workshops. The response of all participants was recorded.
Results: There were 75 nursing (final year- 40, interns- 65), 55 dental (final year- 30, interns- 55) and 80 medical (final year- 58, interns- 62) students. 56.1% nursing, 22% dental, and 35% medical final year students had Bio-aerosols splash on their eyes, nose, or mouth sometimes. 42% nursing 16%, dental and 12% medical interns had aerosol splash to eyes, nose or mouth sometimes. Needle stick injury was seen in 55% of nursing, 24 dental, and 72% medical final years and 34% nursing, 12% dental, and 51% medical interns. Dental bur injury was seen in 68% of dental final year and 45% interns only. Other injuries were seen in 20% of nursing, 5% dental, and 14% medical final years, and 14% nursing, 2% dental, and 7% medical interns. There was a significant difference among interns and final year students with regards to wearing of a mask, face shield, head cap, use of sterile tools, disposal of hazardous waste, immunization against HBV, and preventive measures related to workshops.
Conclusions: Dental and medical interns had sufficient knowledge and awareness regarding non-sterile occupational injuries.