Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Occupational Injuries Among Nurses in Oshakati District, Namibia

Maliwa Lichaha Sanjobo, Mpinane Flory Senekane and Kgomotso Lebelo ()
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Maliwa Lichaha Sanjobo: Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
Mpinane Flory Senekane: Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2094, South Africa
Kgomotso Lebelo: Occupational Health Division, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 6, 1-20

Abstract: Occupational injuries among nurses impact their well-being and health service delivery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational injuries and their contributing factors among nurses in selected public health facilities. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 295 randomly selected nurses. Primary data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, while secondary data were abstracted from the occupational injuries register. Data were analysed using statistical software. The 12-month prevalence of occupational injuries was 28.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 24.3–33.3%), with needlestick injuries being the most common (63.5%). Significant associations were observed between occupational injuries and education level ( p = 0.027), employment status ( p = 0.012), and years of experience ( p = 0.029). Nurses with a bachelor’s degree had 3.30 times higher odds of injury (Adjusted OR [AOR] = 3.30, 95% CI = 1.11–9.81, p = 0.03), while the lack of proper training increased the odds by 3.27 times (AOR = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.62–6.61, p < 0.001). Being a registered nurse reduced the odds by 70% (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.12–0.74, p = 0.01). Addressing these factors is essential for reducing occupational injuries and improving healthcare outcomes.

Keywords: occupational injuries; prevalence; nurses; health workers; Namibia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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