Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

School

Public Health

Advisor

Twanda Wadlington

Abstract

Public health depends on the efficiency of work delivery among healthcare workers (HCWs) and their positive goal orientation in healthcare. Effective minimizing of needlestick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) and timely reporting are fundamental to meeting public health goals. The specific research problem addressed through this study is whether the independent variable of exposure type (needle stick injury, splash exposure injury, other sharp injuries) has an association with stigma associated with sharps injury reporting (dependent variable) among HCWs in ambulatory surgical centers. A quantitative, cross-sectional design involving secondary data analysis was used. Regression was used to analyze pre- and post-workshop survey data. Of the participants, 82.8% understood the reporting system, and in the past year, only 11.1% had or experienced injury-related cases. Of those experiencing injury, 63.6% reported the injury. Most common reasons for underreporting were not understanding, time-consuming, and low-risk perception. Results showed needlestick injuries, splash exposure, and other sharp injuries were not statistically associated with stigma reporting. The results call for policy changes and additional staff training and awareness promotion. Implications for social change include implementing change measures within healthcare settings to minimize health risks attributed to NSSI exposure.

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