An explorative study of the experiences and the reasons why health workers report a needle stick injury

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore the reasons why health workers reported their occupationally acquired needle stick injury. The secondary reasons for this study was to be able to identify the factors that contributed to the choice to report as well as the feelings health workers experienced during and after the injury. Methodology A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was used to gain understanding around why health workers reported the needle stick injury. Data was collected through a semi- structured interview. Population The 89 health workers at a Secondary Hospital in the Cape Town Metropole Health district who reported an occupational injury from 2001 to 2004. Sample Nine health workers were interviewed. Findings From the nine participants only six had needle stick injuries, while the other three had other blood and body fluid occupational exposures. The most common reason for reporting was that the health workers wanted to ensure their own physical well-being. Health workers and their families experienced emotional turmoil after the needle stick injury.