Main Article Content
Effect of Training on Sharp Handling and Management among Health Workers in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Hospital sharps pose a substantial health risk to health workers, patients, waste collectors and the environment. Training has been used among health workers to improve safety at the work place. This study aimed to assess the effect of training on sharp handling and management among health workers in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Methodology: The study was a quasi-experimental study conducted in three phases. Data collection tools included an individual questionnaire, health facility questionnaire and an observatory checklist. Intervention was the training of health workers.
Results: Mean ages of the health workers in the experimental and control groups were 42 ± 9.3 years and 40 ± 10.2 years respectively. Average year of practice was 16 ± 10.0years and 14 ± 11.0years in the experimental and control groups respectively. Mean knowledge scores increased from 11.4 ± 2.2 to 13.0 ± 1.8 (p < 0.0001) among the experimental group. There was a reduction in poor sharp management practices such as double handed needle recapping (from 79% to 32%, p<0.0001) and placement of sharps in open bins (from 22% to 9%, p=0.0004) among the experimental population compared to the control group. Sharp injuries reduced from 25 (26%) to 19 (17.6%) within six months post-intervention (p=0.13) among the experimental group.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that training can improve health workers' knowledge and sharp management practices.
Methodology: The study was a quasi-experimental study conducted in three phases. Data collection tools included an individual questionnaire, health facility questionnaire and an observatory checklist. Intervention was the training of health workers.
Results: Mean ages of the health workers in the experimental and control groups were 42 ± 9.3 years and 40 ± 10.2 years respectively. Average year of practice was 16 ± 10.0years and 14 ± 11.0years in the experimental and control groups respectively. Mean knowledge scores increased from 11.4 ± 2.2 to 13.0 ± 1.8 (p < 0.0001) among the experimental group. There was a reduction in poor sharp management practices such as double handed needle recapping (from 79% to 32%, p<0.0001) and placement of sharps in open bins (from 22% to 9%, p=0.0004) among the experimental population compared to the control group. Sharp injuries reduced from 25 (26%) to 19 (17.6%) within six months post-intervention (p=0.13) among the experimental group.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that training can improve health workers' knowledge and sharp management practices.
