Sahar Geravandi - Department of Nursing, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Tehran, Iran- Razi Teaching Hospital, Clinical Research Development Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
Seyed Mohammad Alavi - Razi Teaching Hospital, Clinical Research Development Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences,Ahvaz, Iran- Health Research Institute, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahva
Ahmad Reza Yari - Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
Farid Yousefi - Razi Teaching Hospital, Clinical Research Development Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences,Ahvaz, Iran- Health Research Institute, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahva

Background & Aims of the Study: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are one of the most causesthat expose health care workers (HCWs) to blood infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, Cand HIV. HCWs can reduce the rate of NSIs by performing protective procedures. Thisstudy was conducted to evaluate the needle stick exposure among health care workers inRazi hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, in 2015.Materials & Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 600 HCWs at RaziHospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The data collection tool was a questionnaire included health careworkers’ type of NSIs, ward and their activities. Data were analyzed by descriptivestatistics and processed by SPSS version 16.Results: Results showed that 21.35% of volunteers were male and 78.65% were female.The results indicated that recapping the needles was the most risk factor for NSIs. Based onthe findings the most important reasons for NSIs were recapping needles were found in40.82%, handling needle on tray in 22.45%, suturing in 14.29%, dissembling needledevices in 10.20%, passing needle in 8.16% and transit of disposal needle devices in 4.08%of cases, respectively.Conclusions According to the findings of our study, it seems that establishment andperforms of courses about the prevention of needle stick is very necessary.

Needle sticks, Health careworkers, Ahvaz, Iran