Awareness about needlestick injuries in clinical dental practice among undergraduate students at Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

ABSTRACT Background: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are a major occupational hazard among dental healthcare professionals due to frequent exposure to sharp instruments and contaminated body fluids during clinical procedures. Undergraduate dental students are particularly vulnerable because of limited clinical experience and inadequate training in infection control practices. Awareness regarding preventive measures, vaccination, and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of transmission of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Aim: The study aimed to assess the awareness regarding NSIs in clinical dental practice among undergraduate dental students at Narayana Dental College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 undergraduate dental students in their clinical years. Data were collected using a prevalidated, structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, awareness of transmission risks, preventive practices, PEP, and vaccination status. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and associations between awareness and demographic variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 21.6 ± 1.5 years, with females comprising 72.1% of the study population. About 60.1% of students correctly identified NSI as an accidental puncture wound caused by a sharp object. Nearly 68.3% of students were aware that NSIs can transmit multiple infections, including HBV, HCV, and HIV. Immediate washing with soap and water was identified as the first step after exposure by 74.5% of participants, whereas 82.2% of participants recognized the need for immediate reporting. However, misconceptions regarding needle recapping persisted, with 41.8% of participants considering it safe. Only 24.5% of participants reported strict adherence to universal precautions, and 34.6% of participants had received formal training on NSI prevention and management. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was complete in 49% of participants. Conclusion: Undergraduate dental students demonstrated moderate awareness regarding NSIs; however, significant gaps were identified in preventive practices, vaccination coverage, and formal training. Strengthening infection control education, ensuring mandatory hepatitis B vaccination, and implementing structured training programs on occupational safety are essential to minimize the risk of NSIs in dental clinical practice.