Introduction: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) remain a serious occupational hazard for healthcare workers, particularly nurses, who are at the frontline of patient care. Data on NSIs among nursing officers in Sri Lanka remain limited.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with NSIs among nursing officers in the National Hospital, Colombo, Sri Lanka (NHSL).

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 nurses with more than one year of experience, excluding those on leave, selected through convenience sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee (ERC) at KIU (KIU/ERC/23/221), and administrative approval from NHSL. Data were collected using a pretested, researcher-developed, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographics, prevalence, and factors associated with NSIs. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, incorporating descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests).

Results: Most of the participants were females (92%, n = 357), and 60% (n = 233) had over five years of working experience. The prevalence of NSIs was 48% (n =186), with over half of them (56%, n = 104) reporting two to five needlestick injuries within the past two years. Injuries occurred mainly during recapping (28%, n = 51) and disposal (25%, n = 47), often during the night shift (41%, n = 75). Injuries were most frequent among nurses in medical (52%, n = 95) and surgical wards (20%, n = 38), yet only 45% (n = 84) reported them. Nearly all participants (98%, n = 382) emphasized the need for continuous education. NSI were significantly associated with age (p = 0.007), bending used needles before disposal (p = 0.006), and use of one-hand recapping (p = 0.041).

Conclusion: Approximately half of the nurses at NHSL experienced NSIs. Strengthening education, enforcing reporting practices, and promoting adherence to universal precautions are essential to minimize this occupational risk.

Keywords
Associated factors , Needlestick injury , Nurses , Prevalence