Introduction: Needle Stick Injuries (NSIs) remain a prevalent occupational hazard among healthcare workers, particularly nurses and nursing students. These injuries pose substantial risks for the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B and C. Despite the implementation of safety protocols, NSIs continue to occur, necessitating an evaluation of healthcare professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) concerning injury prevention. Aim: To assess and compare the KAP regarding NSI prevention among nurses and nursing students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Muzaffarnagar Medical College, Uttar Pradesh, India over a period of three months, from December 2024 to February 2025. A total of 207 participants were included, comprising 83 nurses and 124 nursing students, selected using proportionate stratified random sampling to ensure representation from both groups. The primary inclusion criteria were individuals currently working or studying in the nursing profession at the institution who consented to participate. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire divided into four sections: demographic details and KAP. Demographic parameters included age, gender, educational qualification and work experience. Knowledge was assessed using multiple-choice questions, while attitude and practice were evaluated using a 4-point Likert scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.” The study methodology involved initial orientation sessions, distribution of questionnaires during working hours and collection within 48 hours to ensure minimal data loss. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0, with results expressed in frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. The chi-square test and t-test were used to assess associations and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age was significantly higher among nurses (28.4±4.2 years) compared to students (22.1±2.8 years) (p-value <0.001). Gender distribution was comparable, with 27 males (13.0%) and 180 females (87.0%) (p-value=0.62). Work experience of ≤1 year was more common among nursing students (n=51, 41.1%) than nurses (n=10, 12.0%) (p-value<0.001). Good knowledge regarding NSIs was observed in 77 participants (37.2%), including 32 nurses (38.6%) and 45 students (36.3%); moderate knowledge in 107 (51.7%) and poor knowledge in 23 (11.1%) (p-value=0.853). A positive attitude was reported by 128 participants (61.8%), comprising 52 nurses (62.7%) and 76 students (61.3%); neutral and negative attitudes were seen in 59 (28.5%) and 20 (9.7%) participants, respectively (p-value=0.815). Good practices were reported by 115 participants (55.6%), including 47 nurses (56.6%) and 68 students (54.8%); moderate in 75 (36.2%) and poor in 17 (8.2%) (p-value=0.73), indicating no significant differences between the two groups in terms of knowledge, attitude, or practice. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for enhanced education and training programs to improve both knowledge and practices regarding NSI prevention. Continuous efforts are required to foster safer practices and ensure that healthcare workers, particularly nursing students, are adequately prepared to prevent NSIs in clinical settings.
Goyal et al. (Tue,) studied this question.