title: A study of needle stick injuries among non-consultant hospital doctors in Ireland.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  NCHDs are exposed to a great number of blood-borne infections. Needle stick injuries are possibly the main route of acquiring such infections from a non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) perspective. This study examines NCHDs experiences surrounding needle stick injuries.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional self-administered anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted on 185 NCHDs working in a clinical setting among seven teaching hospitals in Ireland. Implied consent was obtained. The data was analysed using Excel spreadsheets. Ethical approval was received.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A response rate of 85.4% (158/185) was achieved. Findings of the study are shown in the manuscript table.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A needle stick injury (NI) history is greater among surgical NCHDs than medical NCHDs. The level of disposable glove usage is worryingly poor. Training in sharps handling and dealing with a NI needs to be addressed. HIV is the blood-borne infection most fear of being contracting as a consequence of a NI.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, South Infirmary, Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork, Ireland. mortimeroconnor@gmail.com
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hannon
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cagney
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hardiman
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Courtney
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult