Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Needle Stick Injuries among Laboratory Professionals with Different Education Levels and Lab Standards

Objective: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning needle stick injuries (NSIs) among laboratory professionals, with a focus on the influence of their education levels and the standards of the laboratories in which they are employed.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to April 2023, including 600 participants—400 healthcare workers and 200 students—from both public and private sector laboratories and institutes. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 25.0. Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between NSI occurrences and various demographic and workplace factors.Results: The study identified a 49.1% incidence rate of NSIs among the participants. Significant correlations were found between the occurrence of NSIs and factors such as occupational role, educational level, and laboratory standards. Notably, individuals working in public sector laboratories and those with lower educational qualifications (diploma holders) exhibited a higher prevalence of NSIs compared to their private sector and more highly educated counterparts. The analysis also highlighted that excessive workload and inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) were major contributors to the frequency of NSIs.Conclusion: The study’s findings emphasize the critical need for enhanced NSI prevention measures, particularly within public sector laboratories and among personnel with lower educational qualifications. The study advocates for the implementation of targeted training programs, stricter safety protocols, and the provision of adequate PPE to mitigate the risks associated with NSIs.