Hormann, Jill2020-02-262020-02-262019-12https://hdl.handle.net/11299/211694University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. December 2019. Major: Dentistry. Advisor: Miranda Drake. 1 computer file (PDF); 82 pages.Background. Health care workers (HCWs) are routinely exposed to occupational hazards, such as sharps injuries, which put HCWs at risk of exposure to blood borne diseases. HCWs may also experience psychological consequences. Methods. This study included students, staff, and faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (n=1,113). A mixed-mode survey design was used to administer the 51-item survey. Results. There were 319 responses, which was a 28.6% response rate. Fifty-seven were excluded and therefore, 262 were included in statistical analysis. Fifty-six participants (21%) reported having experienced a sharps injury within the past year. Participants self-reported that while awaiting blood test results they felt anxious (67%) and stressed (50%). Discussion. Previous studies have found that HCWs with experience of a sharps injury have higher anxiety and depression scores as compared to HCWs without experience of a sharps injury. Conclusion. This study found no statistically significant difference in PSS-10 (P=0.46) and PHQ-9 (P=0.66) scores between dental providers with and without experience of a sharps injury in the past year. This may be due to a low response rate. Future research should focus on the psychological effects of sharps injuries with a larger study population.enSharps InjuriesThesis or Dissertation