Knowledge and attitude of health care professionals regarding safe handling and disposal of chemotherapeutic drugs

Chemotherapeutic drugs are therapeutic agents intended for, but not limited to the treatment of cancer. These drugs are known to be highly toxic to cells, mainly through their action on cell reproduction and are carcinogenic in nature. The most common exposures are the result inadvertent ingestion a drug on food, inhalation of drug dusts or droplets or direct skin contact. Proper training and the use of personal protective equipments are critical to ensure the safety of health care workers who handle chemotherapy drugs.

The present study Aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of health care professionals regarding safe handling and disposal of chemotherapeutic drugs in GGSMH Faridkot (Punjab)

A Quantitative research approach and comparative design was used for research purpose. Purposive sampling was used to select 60 staff nurses (30 from oncology unit & 30 from other units) working in GGSMH, Faridkot (Punjab). Structured questionnaire tool was used to assess knowledge and Likert scale used to assess attitude during data collection.

The result of study revealed that less than half staff 43.3% in the oncology unit and 31.7% in other unit had adequate knowledge regarding safe handling and disposal of the chemotherapeutic drugs. Whereas, in oncology 50% and in other units 35% had the positive attitude regarding safe handling and disposal of the chemotherapeutic drugs.

Majority of staff 43.3% in the cancer unit and 31.7% in other unit had adequate knowledge regarding safe handling and disposal of the chemotherapeutic drugs. 50% of staff in cancer unit and 355 in other units, had positive attitude regarding the safe handling and disposal of the chemotherapeutic drugs. Knowledge and attitude score of staff nurses of oncology unit and other units shown have significant differences.