Risk Factors for Needle Stick Injuries (NSIs) Among Medical Solid Waste Handlers at Hospital X, Lampung Province, Indonesia

Abstract : Background: Needle Stick Injury (NSI) is an occupational accident that poses a risk of transmitting infectious diseases to personnel responsible for managing solid medical waste. The occurrence of NSI is presumed to be influenced by compliance with the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the implementation of safety boxes, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training. Objective: To analyze the association between compliance with PPE use, safety box implementation, adherence to SOPs, and OHS training with the occurrence of NSI among solid medical waste management personnel at Hospital X, Lampung Province. Methods: A quantitative study with a case–control design was conducted from May to July 2026 involving 45 respondents, consisting of 9 cases and 36 controls. Data were collected through questionnaires, observations, and secondary data, and were analyzed using the Chi-square test with a 95% confidence level. Results: A total of 20.0% of respondents had experienced NSI. No significant associations were found between PPE compliance (p = 0.171), safety box implementation (p = 0.086), or adherence to SOPs (p = 0.118) and the occurrence of NSI. However, OHS training was significantly associated with NSI (p = 0.048). Respondents who had inadequate OHS training were six times more likely to experience NSI than those with adequate training (OR = 6.000; 95% CI = 1.238–29.069). Conclusion: OHS training was identified as a factor significantly associated with the occurrence of NSI, whereas compliance with PPE use, safety box implementation, and adherence to SOPs showed no significant associations. Strengthening structured and comprehensive OHS training programs is essential to reduce the risk of Needle Stick Injury.