Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes of Registered Nurses Toward Needlestick Injury Prevention in a Tertiary Neuroscience Unit: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a significant occupational hazard for nurses, leading to potential bloodborne infections and psychological distress. Despite training and safety protocols, unsafe practices and underreporting remain challenges. Methods: A cross-sectional, single-site study was conducted at the National Neuroscience Institute, King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, including 67 registered nurses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and direct observational skills checklist to assess knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) toward NSI prevention. Descriptive and inferential statistics examined associations between demographic factors and KSA outcomes. Results: Most nurses demonstrated excellent knowledge (85.1%), satisfactory skills (61.2%), and a positive attitude (64.2%). Unsafe practices, including needle recapping and improper disposal, were observed, and 43.3% perceived NSIs as minor incidents not requiring reporting. Years of experience and education level were significantly associated with knowledge (p = 0.005) and skills (p = 0.033), respectively, while age, gender, and university location showed no significant effect. Conclusion: Nurses at KFMC exhibit high knowledge and moderate skills in NSI prevention, yet unsafe behaviors and attitudinal gaps persist. Targeted behavioral interventions, continuous monitoring, and reinforcement of safe practices are essential to translate knowledge into consistent clinical behavior. The study’s methodology and findings may guide similar interventions in other tertiary care settings.