An exploratory study of needlestick injuries among Australian prison officers.
Prison officers face multiple occupational hazards including needlestick injuries, which may result in the transmission of blood-borne viral infections. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of needlestick injuries, the circumstances under which needlestick injuries occur and the responses of injured prison officers. Cross-sectional data were collected from prison officers in two Australian jurisdictions between January and May 2006, using a self-report questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Of 246 prison officers who completed the survey, two-thirds had found needles and syringes in the workplace. Seventeen officers (7%) reported having experienced a needlestick injury. Most injuries occurred during searches. Serological testing for blood-borne viral infections following injury was common, but less than half the injured officers accessed support services. Needlestick injuries appear to be a relatively rare occurrence, but may be further reduced by improving search techniques and equipment and regulating needles and syringes in prisons.
Larney
Sarah
S
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. s.larney@unsw.edu.au
Dolan
Kate
K
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016495:Police / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011330:Prisons / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013594:Syringes