Empowering Healthcare Workers in Oman Through Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Toward Needlestick and Sharps Injury (NSI) Prevention

Introduction Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) remain a significant occupational hazard among healthcare workers (HCWs), contributing to the risk of serious bloodborne infections and psychological distress. This study looks at how much HCWs know about preventing NSIs, their attitudes toward it, and what they do to stay safe, while also examining how their background and job affect their safety practices and the chances of getting injured. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 188 HCWs at Diwan Health Complex, Oman, using a validated structured questionnaire. Of the 240 HCWs approached, 188 responded (response rate: 78.3%). Sample size was calculated using a 50% prevalence assumption to ensure maximum variability and adequate precision. Results The mean knowledge score was 16.5 ± 2.83 (maximum: 20), reflecting good awareness overall. However, only 25% knew that soap and water should be used immediately after an NSI, and 60.6% were unaware that no post-exposure prophylaxis exists for hepatitis C. About one-third of HCWs (34.2%) reported at least one NSI. Logistic regression showed that higher knowledge scores (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.05-1.43, p = 0.013) and male gender (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.01-3.32, p = 0.045) significantly predicted NSI occurrence. Conclusions Despite adequate knowledge, critical misconceptions and unsafe practices persist, highlighting a "know-do" gap. These findings underscore the urgent need for competency-based interventions and institutional accountability. A nationwide NSI prevention training module, incorporating scenario-based education, mandatory reporting, and adoption of safety-engineered devices, is strongly recommended to reduce occupational risks and protect HCWs.