International Journal of Preventive Medicine (Int J Prev Med)2008-78021120121217123642ENDepartments of Occupational Disease, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranOccupational Medicine, Center for Research on Occupational Disease, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranOccupational Medicine, Center for Research on Occupational Disease, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran20121217<p><strong>Context:</strong> one of the serious occupational concerns in health care workers (HCWs) is exposure to blood/body fluids that can transmit blood borne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C viruses. We are reporting the effects of training course and surveillance on the rate of needle stick injuries (NSIs) among HCWs at an educational hospital in Iran.</p> <p><strong>Aims:</strong> To evaluate the effects of training course on the rate of NSIs and its reporting. Settings and Design: we selected two hospitals (A&amp;B) based on their similarities in wards and facilities then asked the managers of these two hospitals to participate in our study.</p> <p>Methods and Material: We established a new occupational health center and conducted a training course at hospital A on 2010 and compared it with control group (hospital B). The data from 2009 to 2011 was collected, analyzed to compare pre and post intervention rates. Statistical analysis used:We used SPSS for windows and statistical significance was observed using Chi-square and independent T-test.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> During study period nurses sustained the highest number of injuries (hospital A: n=80; 66.1%&amp; hospital B: n=64; 35.4%). The incidence rate of NSIs in hospital A was 7.16 NSI/100FTE/YEAR before the intervention which was increased to 12.06 after the intervention. In hospital B This rate was 6.05 during three years.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The study revealed remarkable increase in the incidence rate of NSIs after the intervention. This is being achieved by meticulous surveillance, training course and improving awareness.</p><p>Keywords: Bloodborne pathogens, health care workers, needle stick injuries</p>http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/view/1019http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/download/1019/1281