Awareness and Knowledge of Risk Factors and Impacts of Occupational Injuries among Primary Healthcare Workers in Katsina State

Abstract

Occupational injuries among healthcare workers (HCWs) represent a critical public health issue, particularly in primary healthcare settings where safety practices may be underemphasized. The present study  aims to assess the awareness and knowledge of risk factors, and impact of occupational injuries among primary healthcare workers in Katsina State. Using a cross-sectional design, 288 primary healthcare workers were selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection was performed using structured questionnaire, and the findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to explore associations. The findings revealed that 80.9% of the respondents were aware of occupational injuries, with a mean knowledge score of 2.84±0.86. Gender (p=0.004) and educational level (p=0.000) significantly influenced knowledge levels, with females and those holding higher degrees demonstrating better awareness. Job roles (p=0.000) and years of experience (p=0.000) also had significant associations, as healthcare workers with six or more years of experience showed higher levels of knowledge. Regarding impacts, 70.4% of respondents reported experiencing occupational injuries, with needlestick injuries being the most common (59.6%). Younger workers (18–35 years) were more affected (p=0.016) compared to older workers, while females (p=0.032), less experienced workers (p=0.032), and full-time employees (p=0.002) were more likely to report impacts, such as reduced efficiency or time off work. In conclusion, while awareness of occupational injuries is high, gaps in training and access to protective measures persist. Strengthening safety protocols, improving PPE availability, and implementing regular training programs are recommended to minimize occupational injuries and enhance workplace safety in primary healthcare facilities in Katsina State.