Occupational Exposure to Sharp Object Injuries Among Healthcare Workers in Dammam and Jeddah Hospitals, Saudi Arabia‏.

OBJECTIVE

This study identify the prevalence of sharp object injuries (SOIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Dammam and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

Quantitative methodology using a cross-sectional design was applied. Chi-square testing was employed for comparative analyses, and logistic regression encompassing univariate and multivariate models was implemented to ascertain the predictors of SOIs.

RESULTS

Prevalence rate of SOIs among hospital HCWs in Dammam and Jeddah cities was 8.40%. Non-Saudi nationals had a rate of 11.9%, while participants who had more than 15 years of experience had a lower rate (9.9%). Gender was identified as a significant predictor of SOIs, with males being two times more likely to experience SOIs than females. The highest rates of injuries were observed among laboratory personnel (29.2%; odds ratios of 8.6 and 7.2 in univariate and multivariate models, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These findings show that HCWs in Dammam have a marginally higher risk of SOIs (prevalence rate 9%) than their counterparts in Jeddah (prevalence rate 7.8%). Further investigations are needed to tailor specific training programs to increase HCWs' awareness, safety knowledge, and practices to reduce SOIs.