title: Prevalence and risk factors of needlestick injuries, sharps injuries, and blood and body fluid exposures among operating room nurses in Thailand.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Operating room nurses are at high risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. This study examined the prevalence of and risk factors for needlestick injuries (NSIs), sharps injuries (SIs), and blood and body fluid exposures (BBFEs) among operating room nurses in Thai hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was performed in 247 Thai hospitals. Questionnaires eliciting demographic data and information on injury occurrence and risk factors were distributed to 2500 operating room nurses, and 2031 usable questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 81.2%. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multiple logistic regression analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of NSIs, SIs, and BBFEs was 23.7%, 9.8%, and 40.0%, respectively. Risk factors for NSIs were training without practice (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.29-2.17), haste (OR, 4.81; 95% CI, 3.41-6.79), lack of awareness (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.04-1.77), inadequate staffing (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.21-2.11), and outdated guidelines (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.04-2.74). One risk factor was identified for SIs: haste (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.57-3.76). Risk factors for BBFEs were long working hours per week (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.06-4.04), training without practice (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.25-1.91), haste (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.30-2.13), lack of awareness (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.22-1.95), not wearing protective equipment (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.26-2.06), and inadequate staffing (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.26-2.11).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study highlights the high prevalence of NSIs, SIs, and BBFEs among Thai operating room nurses. Preventable risk factors were identified. Appropriate guidelines, adequate staffing, proper training, and self-awareness may reduce these occurrences.
authors: Division of Nursing Science, Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. Electronic address: nongyaok2003@gmail.com.
authors: Nongyao
authors: N
authors: Kasatpibal
authors: Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
authors: JoAnne D
authors: JD
authors: Whitney
authors: Operating Room and Recovery Room Service, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
authors: Sadubporn
authors: S
authors: Katechanok
authors: Operating Room and Recovery Room Service, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
authors: Sukanya
authors: S
authors: Ngamsakulrat
authors: Operating Room and Recovery Room Service, Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
authors: Benjawan
authors: B
authors: Malairungsakul
authors: Operating Room, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Pinyo
authors: P
authors: Sirikulsathean
authors: Operating Room, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Chutatip
authors: C
authors: Nuntawinit
authors: Operating Room, Police General Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors: Thanisara
authors: T
authors: Muangnart
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D001826:Body Fluids; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009871:Operating Room Nursing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Needlestick injuries; Operating room nurses; Prevalence; Risk factors; Sharps injuries; Splashes