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Journal of Public Health 2007 29(4):434-440; doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdm048
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© The Author 2007, Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Faculty of Public Health. All rights reserved

Needle-stick injuries in primary care in Wales



R. L. Atenstaedt, Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine, Honorary Lecturer in Public Health1,2,

S. Payne, Regional Director or Public Health (Retired)1

R. J. Roberts, Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme1

I. T. Russell, Founding Professor of Public Health1,2

D. Russell, Senior Trial Statistician, NWORTH2

R. T. Edwards, Director of CEPhI1,3
1 National Public Health Service for Wales, UK
2 Institute for Medical and Social Care Research (IMSCaR), University of Wales, Bangor, UK
3 Centre for Economics and Policy in Health (IMSCaR), University of Wales, Bangor, UK

Address correspondence to Robert Atenstaedt, E-mail: robert.atenstaedt{at}nphs.wales.nhs.uk


  Abstract

Background Accidental needle-stick injuries (NSIs) are a hazard for health-care workers and for the general public.

Objectives To estimate the presentation rate of NSIs to general medical practices, their relation to practice characteristics, and review practice policies for managing NSIs.

Method Descriptive study using logistic regression analysis.

Results Annual rates of 2.73 (95% CI 2.08, 3.50) occupational NSIs per 100 clinical practice staff and 2.14 (95% CI 1.39, 3.13) non-occupational NSIs per 100 000 practice population were recorded. Stepwise logistic regressions showed that chance of a practice reporting at least one occupational NSI in previous five years was best predicted by being a single-handed practice (decreased odds). In contrast, the chance of a practice reporting at least one non-occupational NSI was best predicted by being a rural practice (increased odds). About one in five practices possessed no written policy on managing NSIs. Stepwise logistic regressions showed that the chance of a practice owning a NSI policy was best predicted by being located in an LHB area with a coastline (increased odds).

Conclusion NSIs are an important public health issue in Wales. We have tried to address the lack of guidance by developing new guidelines in Wales.

Keywords: general practice, needle-stick injury, primary care, public health


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