Burden and Risk Factors for Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers in a Ugandan Tertiary Hospital: a Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction. Uganda’s efforts for sharps handling, and their waste management are restrained due to shortage of equipment and supplies resorting to alternatives that may not meet standards. The aim of this study was to provide a current detailed account of the prevalence of sharp injuries, and independent risk factors for these injuries among healthcare workers in a resource limited setting. Methods. A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals offering care in a 333-bed capacity tertiary care facility. A self-administered questionnaire was used. Prevalence, and sociodemographic characteristics were determined using descriptive analysis. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the independent factors associated with risk of sharp injuries. Results. 147 health professionals participated in this study, and majority (57.14%) were females. The median age in years was 38.48 with an interquartile range of (30.87-47.35). The period prevalence of sharps injuries was 40.14% (1 in 3), and health professionals with at least one training in sharp handling, and disposal a year were less likely to have sharps injuries that year (aOR=0.1, 95% CI=0.01-0.48, p=0.006). Work related stress increased the odds of sharps injuries (aOR=4.3, 95% CI=1.2-9.8, p=0.005). Discussion. The overall prevalence of sharp injuries is high. Multidimensional factors including psychological stress, limited flexibility in hospital policies, and less training on sharps handling and disposal every year were associated with sharps injuries. Feasible hospital interventions including simulation-based training, digital education on sharps handling, and disposal should be implemented by hospital administration. While this training on sharps handling, and disposal may be important, its efficacy should be ascertained through repeated studies. Support through allocation of resources, and capacity building from ministry of health, and partners could be of help.