Knowledge of Fourth Year MBBS Students about Protocols for Injections

Background: Injection safety is crucial for preventing infection transmission and ensuring patient safety. Adequate knowledge and adherence to protocols are vital for future healthcare professionals. Assessing medical students' knowledge can help identify educational gaps. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge and practices related to injection safety among fourth-year MBBS students at Lahore Medical & Dental College, aiming to identify areas for curriculum improvement. Study type, settings & duration: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore from July to September 2022. Methodology: A total of 131 fourth-year MBBS students, who were also in clinical rotations, voluntarily participated. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics and knowledge of injection protocols. Convenient sampling was used, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, with significance set at p ≤0.05. Results: The study found that 93.1% (n=122) of students were aware of blood-borne infection risks from unsafe injection practices, and 99.2% (n=130) recognized the importance of wearing gloves for patient and personal safety. Female students were more aware of glove use for patient safety (64.0% vs. 37.5%, p =0.0019), wore gloves more often (75.0% vs. 51.2%, p =0.0016), and were more diligent in checking expiry dates before administering injections (81.0% vs. 63.8%, p =0.015) compared to male students. Conclusion: A significant gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills in injection safety was identified among fourth-year MBBS students. Female students demonstrated higher awareness and compliance with safety practices, highlighting the need for enhanced practical training ........