Abstract

Background and aims: Sharp injuries are considered as a significant occupational hazard for healthcare workers. This study was designed to determine the type of device causing injury and position, time and action of healthcare staff following the injury in Iran, using systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis that performed using search engines of Magiran, Sid, Medlib, Iran Medex, Google Scholar, ISI web of knowledge, Scopus and Pubmed. Results: Among different devices with the potential risk of causing sharp injuries in healthcare workers needles in 58 (95 CI: 65-51) and angiocaths in 21 (95 CI: 25-18) were the most common devices respectively. The works that led to the damage were recapping 26 (95 CI: 32-21) and injection 24 (95 CI: 31-17) were more affected to the employees. The control measures taken after injury were mostly disinfection of the affected area 55 (95 CI: 64-45) and washing with the water at 43 (95 CI: 66-21). Most of such injuries occurred during the morning shift 49 (95 CI: 55-43). Conclusion: Our results showed that only one device, location or action cannot be responsible for all sharp injuries but, each of them in turn can contribute to the injury. However, those factors showing the greater percentages have the priority to be improved faster.