EVALUATION OF THE KNOWLEDGE LEVELS OF STUDENTS INTERNING IN HOSPITALS REGARDING OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge about occupational accidents among healthcare students who perform internships in hospitals. The healthcare sector inherently involves high-risk working conditions that directly affect human life. In this context, not only professional personnel but also students undertaking clinical internships are directly exposed to occupational hazards. The research focuses on identifying the level of awareness, frequency of accidents, and the adequacy of occupational health and safety (OHS) training provided to these students. The study was designed using a quantitative, descriptive survey model. The sample consisted of 300 students from nursing, midwifery, emergency medical technician, physiotherapy, and medical secretary programs who were undertaking internships in public hospitals in Konya during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising a Demographic Information Form and an OHS Knowledge Scale, and were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and reliability tests. The findings revealed that students’ overall OHS knowledge level was moderate (x̄=3.10). Female students demonstrated significantly higher awareness levels than male students (p<0.05). It was also determined that as internship duration increased, awareness levels tended to decrease, suggesting a potential “risk habituation effect.” The highest scores were obtained in the “use of protective equipment” subscale, while the lowest were in “incident reporting behavior.” Only 28% of the participants reported occupational incidents experienced during their internships. In conclusion, the study highlights that OHS awareness among healthcare interns remains at the informational level and is not sufficiently reflected in safe behavioral practices. The results underscore the need for mandatory pre-internship OHS training, the establishment of supportive institutional safety cultures, and the creation of non-punitive reporting mechanisms. This study contributes to the limited body of literature on OHS awareness among healthcare interns in Türkiye and provides empirical evidence for improving educational and institutional safety policies.