Awareness of standard operating procedure compliance and needlestick injuries preventive practices among paramedic trainees

Needle stick injuries (NSIs) represent a significant occupational hazard for paramedic trainees, increasing the risk of blood-borne infections. This study investigated the occurrence of NSIs and the impact of, compliance to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and preventive practices on the occurrence of NSIs among final- year paramedic trainees at public health institutions in Perak. The research employs a quantitative approach using structured questionnaires distributed to 151 trainees, with a 100% response rate. The study cohort comprised 68 Medical Assistant trainees and 83 Nursing trainees. Inferential statistical tests, including Chi-Square, Binary Logistic Regression, and Pearson correlation, were conducted using SPSS 27.0. Descriptive analysis revealed variations in NSI occurrence between programs, with the Medical Assistant Program reporting a slightly higher mean occurrence (1.85) than the Nursing Program (1.76). Standard deviation analysis indicated greater variability in NSI experiences among nursing trainees (0.430) than medical assistant trainees (0.357). The inferential statistical tests demonstrated compliance to SOP exhibited a strong correlation with NSI incidence (p = 0.000), underscoring its critical role in risk reduction. Additionally, prevention practices significantly influenced the occurrence of NSIs (p = 0.001), highlighting the importance of preventive measures. These results emphasize the need to enhance compliance to SOP and foster a robust safety culture to minimize NSI risks. The findings provide valuable insights for training institutions and healthcare policymakers to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing NSIs among paramedic trainees. Future research should explore intervention strategies to mitigate risks and improve compliance with safety protocols