Compliance Level of Nurses Regarding Sharp Injuries Prevention Guidelines in Kirkuk Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Compliance level, Nurses, Sharp Injuries, Prevention Guidelines, Kirkuk City
Abstract
Background and aim: Sharp injuries occur in healthcare settings, often due to lapses in compliance with prevention guidelines. Nurses, as primary providers of direct patient care, play a crucial role in implementing these guidelines. This study aimed to assess nurses' compliance with guideline for preventing sharp injury in Kirkuk City hospitals and to identify related factors.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted in four hospitals in Kirkuk City from December 20, 2024, to March 15, 2025. A purposive sampling method was used to select 200 nurses. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and observational checklists. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26, with results reported as frequencies and percentages. A significance level of p<0.05 was set for statistical analysis.
Results: Of the 200 nurses observed, 96 (48%) were male and 104 (52%) were female. Most nurses 134 (67%) demonstrated partial compliance with sharp injuries prevention guidelines, while 66 (33%) were fully compliant. The study identified a correlation between compliance level and gender (p = 0.5), married status (p = 0.01), and educational training (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: The compliance of nurses with sharp injuries prevention guidelines in hospitals within Kirkuk city was found to be partially compliant. This underscores the need for hospitals to establish clear policies and provide ongoing education and training focused on sharp injury prevention.
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