Background: Sharps injuries are a significant health risk for healthcare workers (HCWs). WHO estimates 2.10-4.68 annual incidents per person in Africa. By April 2022, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital(MRRH) reported 52 PEP cases due to sharps injuries. This study investigated sharps injuries' prevalence and risk factors among MRRH HCWs.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study employing quantitative data collection methods. The sample size was 140 HCWs in MRRH. Convenience sampling was used to select HCWs. Data was collected in June and July 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 software package was used to analyze data.

Results: A survey of 140 healthcare workers revealed a 56.4% prevalence of sharps injuries, with nurses (16.4%) and midwives (14.3%) most affected. Injuries commonly occurred during injection administration (77.1%), sharps removal/disposal (75.7%), and surgical procedures (46.4%). Significant risk factors included lack of sharps management training (75.7%), improper sharps box use (43.6%), and separating needles from syringes (56.4%)

Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of sharps exposure among HCWs at MRRH, with significant associations between socio-demographic factors (gender, experience, and profession) and hospital environment factors (inadequate PPE, sharps boxes, and waste segregation). To mitigate this risk, we recommend providing HCWs with health and safety guidelines and conducting regular, continuous medical education (CMEs) to enhance needle injury prevention and waste management knowledge and skills.

Davis is a dedicated and accomplished Nurse Educator and Early Career Researcher with a strong passion for advancing healthcare education and research. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mbarara University (2023) and is completing his Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Education at Bishop Stuart University. Professionally, Davis serves as a Nurse Tutor at Mayanja Memorial Medical Training Institute in Mbarara, Uganda. His research endeavors have culminated in publication in the esteemed PLOS One journal. With a unique blend of clinical expertise, teaching insight, and research prowess, Davis is poised to make a lasting impact in the healthcare community.