Safe Handling of Anti-Neoplastic Drugs in the University Hospitals: A Descriptive Survey Study Among Oncology Nurses

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure to anti-neoplastic drugs (ANPDs) is still a concern among oncology health care workers. Objectives: The current study aims at evaluating the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of oncology nurses towards the safe handling of ANPDs as well as determining the educational needs for the promotion of safe behaviours.

Knowledge and associated factors towards cytotoxic drug handling among University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital health professionals, institutional-based cross-sectional study

“…Long-term occupational exposure to cytotoxic drugs is associated with various carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects [17,28,29]. High levels of knowledge on cytotoxic drugs and their adverse health effects are essential to improving adherence by health professionals with safety measures [9]. Health professionals' knowledge of CDs is vital for safeguarding themselves, the patients, and the general public through safe operating procedures and public education about proper disposal of unused medications.…”

“…Health professionals' knowledge of CDs is vital for safeguarding themselves, the patients, and the general public through safe operating procedures and public education about proper disposal of unused medications. Lack of knowledge was one of the major determinants of unsafe behavior related to handling of CDs by healthcare workers as evidenced from previous studies [9,26].…”

“…Healthcare workers who prepare or administer antineoplastic drugs, or who work in areas where these drugs are used, can be exposed to these agents when they are present on contaminated work surfaces, drug vials and containers, contaminated clothing and medical equipment, and patient excreta and secretions such as urine, feces, and sweat [9]. Several studies reported increased risks of leukemia and breast cancer among nurses handling CDs and not following safety guidelines [10].…”

“…Cytotoxicity can be due to direct contact with CDs without personal protective equipment, needle stick injury, spills, and other unintended exposures which can be contributed by lack of training, inadequate controls, and poor communication [13]. Although guidelines for safe handling of CDs were introduced more than 20 years ago, contamination of both the working environment as well as the healthcare workers is still reported in several recent studies mainly in developing countries [9,14]. Chronic health effects of cytotoxicity include mutation, carcinogenicity, and adverse reproductive outcomes like infertility, abortion, and poor neonatal outcomes [15][16][17].…”

“…The characteristic feature of each health-care waste is to pose risk to patients, staff, and the environment [25]. Although guidelines for safe handling of CDs were introduced earlier, contamination of both the working environment as well as the healthcare workers is still reported in previous studies particularly in developing countries [9,14]. Lack of knowledge among other factors was a major determinant of unsafe behavior related to handling of CDs by healthcare workers [9,26].…”