Abstract
Background: Needle Stick Injuries (NSIs) exposes dental healthcare workers (HCWs) to infectious disease-causing blood-borne pathogens, which can adversely affect employee performance, health, wellness, morale, productivity, and service delivery. Public sector dental-HCWs provide primary dental services to low-income individuals and communities, and are constantly at risk of experiencing occupational injuries i.e., NSIs. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of NSIs among public sector dental-HCWs in the Johannesburg Metro district, and to evaluate current management practices. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted. The study sample size was pre-determined and consisted of 36 participants (public sector dental practitioners in the region). The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The data management and analyses were performed using SPSS (Version 27) software. Descriptive analyses and bivariate (chi-square) tests were performed to assess the association between various socio-demographic, behavioural, clinical, and managerial factors and NSI status. The findings from the analyses were presented in figures and tables, and results were reported using p-values. Results: The prevalence of NSIs was 47.2% (n=17). Most NSIs occurred whilst changing local anaesthetic ampules (35%), and during needle recapping (29%). Only 38.9% of dental-HCWs reported to have Occupational Injury Guidelines in their clinics, and only 41.7% reported to have Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Guidelines (which were found to be outdated). Only one variable, response to injury, was a significant predictor of NSI status (p<0.05). There was no significant association between the other socio-demographic, behavioural, clinical, and managerial factors and NSI status. Conclusion: The study draws attention to high-risk activities and behaviours, as well as shortcomings in the workplace. The primary source of needle-stick injuries is the needle attached to a dental syringe, which is manually operated by clinicians during dental procedures, using both hands. Shortcomings identified include the common practice of needle-recapping,..
M.A. (Public Health)