Abstract:

Background: Hospital is one of the most hazardous places to work. Overall incidence of occupational injuries among Health care workers (HCWs) ranges from 14 to 95 per 1000 HCWs. Medical students are exposed to occupational injuries that are similar to those encountered by residents and physician. However, because of their underdeveloped technical skills and inappropriate use of protective measures, the students may be at higher risk of injury than their senior colleagues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of occupational injury and associated factors among students at CUHAS.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted among students at CUHAS who are in clinical rotation in various departments. Random sampling was used to collect information. Data was collected using google online forms semi structured questionnaire, and were organized and analysed using IBM SPSS software. Data was described with proportion, means and standard deviation. Associated factors were analysed using Pearson correlation, a P value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: A total of 206 students participated in this study. Among those, 108 (52.4%) were female. The mean age was 24.2 ± 2 years. The prevalence of occupational injury among medical students was 44.2% for fluid exposure, 27.2% for needle stick and 13.1% for sharp injury. The most exposed substance was blood (63.7%). Female medical students were more exposed to needle stick injuries than males. Students aged 21-26 years (OR 1.04 (0.99-1.1 CI) p-value= 0.61 and those in their fifth year of studies were exposed to body fluids more than other age groups and other years of studies which was statistically significant (OR 0.813(0.47-1.82 CI), p-value= 0.006). Only 19% of body fluids and needle stick as well as 15% of sharp injury exposures were reported while Hepatitis B vaccine uptake was 58%.

Conclusion: Occupational injuries are common among medical students at CUHAS. This study recommends training on occupational injuries among medical students at this university, availability of PPEs in clinical areas for students and encouraging students to vaccinate against Hepatitis B virus and report occupational exposure timely for appropriate interventions.