Needlestick and Sharps Injuries among Nurses: A Systematic Review of Occupational Safety and Health Practices

Abstract

Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) remain one of the most significant occupational hazards among nurses, exposing them to blood-borne pathogens and psychological distress. This systematic review synthesised evidence from 15 empirical and review papers published between 2012 and 2025, focusing on the prevalence, associated factors, knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and occupational safety and health (OSH) measures associated with NSIs among nurses and closely related healthcare groups. A PRISMA-informed process was applied to a comprehensive search across Google Scholar, PubMed, and MEDLINE, which initially identified 1,265 records; following screening and eligibility assessment, 15 studies met inclusion criteria. The included studies, conducted across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, consistently showed that NSIs are highly prevalent, frequently under-reported, and closely linked to gaps in training, inconsistent adherence to standard precautions, and system-level challenges such as weak reporting systems and limited follow-up of exposed workers. Knowledge and awareness of NSI prevention were generally moderate, yet gaps persisted in actual practice, including safe injection behaviours, sharps disposal, incident reporting, and post-exposure management. Only a minority of studies examined structured OSH prevention strategies comprehensively. Overall, the findings highlight the urgent need for multifaceted OSH programs integrating safety-engineered devices, continuous education, strengthened reporting mechanisms, and institutional support to effectively protect nurses.