A Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Needle Stick Injury Among Nursing Students

Introduction: Nurses often confront a multitude of challenges during their shifts, with Needle stick Injuries (NSIs) being among them. Remarkably, despite experiencing NSIs while on duty, some nurses opt not to disclose these incidents to management or relevant departments. Factors contributing to the underreporting of NSIs in the workplace comprise apprehension of reprisal, time constraints, insufficiency in post-exposure protocols and reporting procedures and misunderstanding regarding the severity of exposure risks to blood borne pathogens. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge regarding needle stick injury among nursing students. Material and Methods: The present study employed a descriptive non-experimental research design to investigate the subject matter. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was utilized to select a sample of 100 nursing students. The data was collected using by demographic proforma and self-structured knowledge questionnaire. Results: The study revealed that revealed that 76% of respondents had an average level of knowledge, 14% had below average, and 10% had a good level of knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 11.70±2.79. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between the level of knowledge and demographic variables such as age (p = 0.885), course of study (p = 0.737), knowledge about needle stick injury (p = 0.371), type of residence (p = 0.627), source of information (p = 0.268), and experience of needle stick injury (p = 0.695). Conclusion: This study highlights the need for improved needle stick injury awareness among nursing students in Tarn Taran. The identified knowledge gaps call for targeted educational interventions and rigorous training programs. Enhancing students' knowledge and skills is essential for their safety and the quality of patient care, ultimately fostering a safer healthcare environment and reducing the risks associated with needle stick injuries. Keywords: Knowledge, needle stick injury, nursing students.