May 2026, Volume 4, Issue 5

Author

Vinni Greesha V, Naveena Arulanandan, Soundarya R, B. Ananthi, Sivaharivelan Thiagarajan and Balakumar M

Abstract

Introduction: Despite all the advancements in the field of healthcare, medical students and personnel are still at risk of needle stick injuries (NSIs). People are put at risk of acquiring infections of blood-borne pathogens like HBV, HCV, HIV infection due to these injuries. Early clinical exposure, incompetence in performing tasks, and non-standardized reporting mechanisms are among some of the reasons which increase their vulnerability to such injuries. Objective: The purpose of this research paper is to determine the KAP of second-year MBBS students about NSIs and find out any risk factors and underreporting. Material and Methods: The current study was an observational study among second-year MBBS students at ACS Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, during June and August 2025. Questionnaires containing information related to demography, knowledge, attitude, and perception towards NSIs were administered among these students. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with the use of SPSS version 28. Results: In total, among the 216 participants, 53.4% had adequate knowledge about NSIs while 46.6% of the respondents had inadequate knowledge. However, there was no association between knowledge and gender, although there was a statistical difference in perceptions of knowledge based on gender (P = 0.016). The prevalence rate of NSIs was significantly higher among respondents having inadequate knowledge (23.5%) compared to those having adequate knowledge (6.8%) (P = 0.001). There was a significant positive association of knowledge with attitude but not with perceptions (P<0.05). Underreporting of injuries and incomplete vaccination coverage against hepatitis B were noted. Conclusion: Needle Stick Injury is an impending health hazard for medical students, particularly those lacking adequate knowledge about the condition. The acquisition of knowledge, attitude, vaccination and reporting should be made top priority to reduce the prevalence of injuries.