Global, regional and national incidence and causes of needlestick injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) are one of the most serious occupational hazards for healthcare workers (HCWs). Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and causes of NSIs globally. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of data from January 2000 to May 2020 collected from Scopus, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included articles. The data obtained were analysed by R version 3/5/0, and 113 articles were retrieved. Results: There were 113 studies with a total of 525 798 HCWs. The incidence of NSIs was 43%. Africa had the highest rate of these injuries of 51%, and the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region had the highest incidence among WHO regions of 52%. Women were more frequently affected by NSIs than men. Hepatitis C virus infection was the disease most commonly transmitted via NSIs (21%). The highest rates of NSIs according to causes, devices, hospital locations, occupations and procedures were for recapping of needles, needles, general wards, nurses and waste disposal, respectively. Conclusion: The incidence of NSIs is gradually decreasing. The findings of this study can contribute to improving the decision-making process for reducing NSIs in HCWs.