Global, Regional and National Incidence and Causes of Needlestick Injuries: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

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.