Characterization of needlestick injuries of academics and professionals from a higher education and health institution in the south of the country: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prevalence of accidents caused by biological and/or sharps in a Dental School in southern Brazil for a period of twelve months. Methods: Qualitative, observational, descriptive, with convenience sampling, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: It was found that all accidents occurred with academics (100%), the majority among females (87%), during undergraduate clinics (39.1%); the most recurrent instrument was the Carpule syringe (32%), causing occurrences during consultations (78.3%), although the majority reported using personal protective equipment (82.6%). There was no contamination in any case (100%), even with source patients with positive results for Hepatitis C (20%) and human immunodeficiency virus (13.3%) who received dental care. Among the recommended actions are post-exposure prophylaxis (21.7%) and vaccine booster (47.8%), and in some cases no procedure was necessary (30.4%). Conclusion: There are many cases of underreporting in Dentistry, whether due to bureaucracy or other reasons. This leads to increased risks involved in sharps accidents. The joint action of sectors of the Institution is encouraged to reinforce the importance of biosafety and the notification of accidents with exposure to biological agents.