ASSESSMENT ON BARRIERS TO NEEDLE STICK PROTOCOL COMPLIANCE IN SULU SANITARIUM AND GENERAL HOSPITAL: IT’S EFFECT ON INJURY RATES

Abstract

This study assessed the barriers to needle stick protocol compliance in Sulu Sanitarium and general hospital for the Fiscal Year 2024. With 100 samples taken through non-probability sampling method via purposive sampling, and with the use of weighted mean, standard deviation, t-test for independent samples, One-way ANOVA, and a linear regression analysis, this study reveals the following findings: 1) Of the 100 respondents, mostly are female, married within the age range of 31 years old and above and are more experienced nurses; 2) The barriers to compliance noted were, lack of awareness about safety guidelines and the insufficient availability of sharps containers, fear of social stigma or potential discrimination; 3) Overall, there was an adequate support system provided by the hospital administrators in terms of post-injury care, including access to prophylaxis, free laboratory tests, and well-established protocols for managing needle stick injuries; 4) Generally, age and gender showed statistical significant difference in the level of compliance towards needle stick injury protocols in term of protocol knowledge while civil status and length of service did not show any significant difference and 5) The linear regression model reveals a statistically significant and positive relationship between barriers and level of compliance. These findings suggest that perceived barriers significantly impact compliance with safety protocols. As the perceived barriers increase, the level of compliance with safety measures also tends to rise. It is suggested that exploring the barriers to compliance will help in increasing compliance levels towards preventing needle stick injuries to nurses. Timely training and reorientation in these is seen as crucial for all nursing and other health care professionals.