Abstract:

Background: Concern about occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens exists and medical students who lack in experience in clinical skills and surgical technique may be at increased risk.

Methods: This cross-section study evaluated prevalence, responses and contributing factors of needle stick injuries and splash exposures among Doctor of Medicine at CUHAS-Bugando. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 250 medical students.

Results: Of 250 students, 178 students (71.2%) returned questionnaire. Of 178 students, 45 students (25.3%) reported incidents of needle-stick injuries, 74 students (41.6%) reported previous history of splash exposures where by most students got splashed in labor ward and 15 students (8.4%) reported to had both needle-stick injuries and splash exposures throughout the period being in clinical rotation. Of 45 students who sustained needle stick injuries, 33 students (73.3%) students sustained needle stick injuries while rotating in external hospitals (Sekou Toure RRH and Sengerema DDH) and only 11 students (24.4%) sustained needle stick injuries at Bugando Medical Centre. Most students (44.4% sustained injuries while rotating in Internal Medicine departments. Of 45 students who sustained needle stick injuries, only 13 students (28.9%) were completely vaccinated against HBV vaccine. Contributing factors reported by majority of students were: Lack of infection prevention training (IPT), lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and Inadequate skills due to lack of experience. Majority of students (91.1%) who sustained needle stick injuries didn’t report about their injuries.

Conclusion: Medical students have a high risk for needle stick injuries, and attentions should be directed to protection strategies against blood borne pathogens.