Global prevalence of needle stick injuries among nurses: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Nurses usually provide direct patient care. However, they account for the majority of healthcare workers (HCWs) injured by needles or other sharp objects.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of needle stick injuries (NSI) among nurses worldwide; according to WHO regions, the socioeconomic development index (SDI) of countries, and the developmental status of individual countries, and in the Middle East.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We calculated the pooled NSI prevalence estimates using a random-effect meta-analysis with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The report of the study was in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement.

Results: The overall worldwide NSI prevalence pooled from our analysis was 40.97% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.29-50.63%, p = .00001). A subgroup analysis of NSI prevalence according to WHO regions revealed the highest prevalence in Southeast Asia (49.9%, 95% CI: [23.4-76.3%]) and the lowest in the United States of America (25.1%, 95% CI: [18.1-32.1%]), respectively. The pooled prevalence in developed and developing countries was 30.5% (95% CI: 27.3-33.8%) and 46.6% (95% CI: 33.7-59.5%), respectively. According to the SDI, NSI prevalence was highest in low-middle SDI countries (48.9% [95% CI: 30.7-67.2%]).

Conclusion: Our results showed a high NSI prevalence among nurses worldwide. Developing countries had a significantly higher NSI prevalence than developed countries, especially low-middle SDI countries.

Relevance to clinical practice: This study highlighted the prevalence of NSI risk among nurses practising in clinical settings worldwide. The study findings suggest that continuous training programs should be implemented for nurses to enhance their knowledge, performance and attitude toward NSI prevention in clinical settings.

No patient or public contribution: Contributions from patients or the public are irrelevant because the purpose of this study was to examine the global prevalence of NSIs in nurses.

Keywords: different countries; needle stick injuries; nurses; prevalence; worldwide.