“Effectiveness Of Training And Awareness Programs In Reducing Needlestick And Infection Risks Among Doctors, Nurses, And Midwives”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.3157Abstract
Background:
Needlestick injuries (NSIs) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent significant occupational risks for doctors, nurses, and midwives, especially in gynecology and obstetrics settings due to frequent exposure to blood and sharp instruments. Training and awareness programs are widely promoted as key strategies to reduce such incidents and promote compliance with infection control protocols.
Objective:
This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of training and awareness interventions in reducing NSIs and infection risks among healthcare staff working in gynecology and obstetric departments, with a focus on doctors, nurses, and midwives.
Methods:
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, literature was searched across PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies published between 2005 and 2025 that involved targeted interventions and reported outcomes on NSI incidence, compliance, or infection control knowledge were included. Data were extracted using standardized tools, and quality was assessed using CASP, AMSTAR-2, and Cochrane RoB2.
Results:
Thirty-two studies were included, involving over 12,000 healthcare workers. Multimodal interventions combining lectures, simulations, posters, and audits were associated with up to a 40% reduction in NSI rates and significantly improved infection control compliance. Role-specific interventions enhanced engagement, particularly among midwives and nurses. However, underreporting, short follow-up periods, and a lack of midwifery-focused data limited the generalizability of findings.
Conclusion:
Training and awareness programs are effective in reducing occupational risks in gynecological and maternity care. Implementing role-specific, sustainable, and culturally appropriate interventions should be prioritized in hospital policy. Future research should focus on midwifery populations and long-term impact.
