ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ON INJECTION SAFETY AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN OKADA PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER IN EDO STATE

Background Of The Study: In today's healthcare, when injectable medications and vaccines are often administered, injection safety is an essential concern. In addition to this, there is a high burden of blood-borne diseases with the potential for transmission by inadvertent exposure to infected needles and syringes (Zaffran, 2009). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that billions of injections are provided annually in healthcare settings across the world (WHO, 2010). According to the WHO, these injections are routinely used for therapeutic reasons, the majority of which are unneeded and preventable. Especially in underdeveloped nations where safety resources and standards cannot always be assured, inappropriate injections might result in preventable damage (Kermode, 2004). Up to 46 percent of hepatitis B infections, 38 percent of hepatitis C infections, and 12 percent of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are connected with unsafe injections, according to a new assessment of the burden of blood-borne diseases attributable to unsafe injection practices. In addition, unsafe injection methods may contribute to the transmission of other developing and reemerging infectious illnesses, such as Ebola virus disease (Bhuvan, 2013). From 2000 to 2030, modeling utilizing the proportion of unsafe injection-associated bloodborne viral infections indicated a burden of 9.18 million disability-adjusted life years that might have been avoided (Armstrong, 2000). According to the Safe Injection Global Network (SIGN) of the World Health Organization, a safe injection is one that does not cause injury to the receiver, does not expose the provider (HCWs) to any unnecessary risks, and does not produce waste that is hazardous to the community (Drucker, 20001). Therefore, safe injection practice entails the administration of a rational injection by a certified and well-trained individual using a sterile instrument, correct technique, adequate disposal and waste management. The SIGN was established by the WHO as a coalition of global partners to promote and assure the safe, rational, and appropriate use of injections globally (Kamal et al, 2012). Changing the behaviour of healthcare personnel is one of SIGN's recommended techniques for achieving this coalition's objective. Directly, as nurses and doctors, or indirectly, as environmental health, laboratory, and other support employees, including waste handlers, healthcare professionals provide health treatments, such as injections, to the ill (Jagger, 2007). It is believed that a change in injection providers' behaviour will improve the safety of healthcare workers and patients by preventing the reuse of injection equipment, reducing the number of unnecessary injections, preventing needlestick injuries, and enhancing community safety through safe sharps and other waste management (Onyemocho, 2013). 2007 saw the formulation of a national strategy on injection safety and healthcare waste management in Nigeria to combat unsafe injection practices. The strategy funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiative includes injection safety training for healthcare professionals in the context of infection prevention and control and behaviour modification (Bhushra, 2011). In spite of the availability of a policy document and training for healthcare personnel, a high burden of injections and unsafe practices have been documented in some regions of Nigeria.

1.2 Statement Of The  Problem

In spite of the availability of the policy document and the training of healthcare workers, high rates of injections and unsafe practices have been recorded in some regions of Nigeria (EnokelaOnum, 2013). In addition, a variety of studies indicated that around half of healthcare professionals had inadequate or inadequate injection safety knowledge (Musa & Akande, 2011). Many injection providers engaged in unsafe injection practices, such as the recapping of used needles and syringes, indicating a large gap between knowledge and practice regarding injection safety (Akintimi, 2011). Presently, little is known regarding the knowledge and practice of injection safety among healthcare professionals in Nigerian hospitals outside of major cities. In light of this, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the knowledge and practices of injection safety among health care professionals at the main healthcare facility in Okada, Edo State. The objective is that the results will aid in educating professionals, patient groups, and legislators.