Psychological and mental health consequences of needlestick and sharps injuries among healthcare workers

Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) pose significant infectious and psychological risks to healthcare workers (HCWs). While psychological consequences such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are increasingly recognized, they remain under-addressed, and affected HCWs frequently do not receive adequate diagnosis or support. To systematically review the psychological and mental health consequences of NSIs among HCWs, identify associated risk and protective factors, and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention and support interventions. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Six databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Embase) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published in English from January 2016 to May 2026. Grey literature was excluded. Two independent reviewers screened studies using Zotero, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using JBI critical appraisal checklists. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE and CERQual. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was performed. Of 2180 identified records, 10 studies (six cross-sectional, four qualitative) from ten countries met inclusion criteria. NSIs were consistently associated with increased anxiety, fear, stress, and PTSD-like symptoms, compounded by profound guilt, stigma, and a pervasive “culture of silence” that drives underreporting. High-risk groups included nurses, students, and those exposed to highly stigmatized pathogens like HIV. Distress was amplified in middle-income settings due to limited institutional safety nets. No studies experimentally evaluating intervention effectiveness were identified. The certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate. NSIs impose a substantial psychological burden on HCWs, though the certainty of evidence is low to moderate. Healthcare institutions must proactively destigmatize the reporting process—shifting from punitive responses to a “just culture” that ensures psychological safety—and integrate structured psychological support into standard post-exposure protocols. Trial registration : PROSPERO CRD420261417102.