'KNOWLEDGE REGARDING SAFE HANDLING OF CYTOTOXIC DRUGS AMONG STAFF NURSES WORKING IN SELECTED HOSPITALS, KAMRUP (METRO), ASSAM, WITH A VIEW TO DEVELOP AN INFORMATION BOOKLET: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY'.

Abstract

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 2019 stated that about 8 million healthcare workers are potentially exposed to hazardous drugs in their workplace. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2019 reported around 16.9% of nurses had their skin or eyes exposed to chemotherapy drugs. Widespread use of cytotoxic drugs in the treatment of cancer has led to higher health hazards among nurses who handle and administer such drugs, so nurses should know how to protect themselves from the effects of cytotoxic drugs by following safety measures during preparation, administration of cytotoxic drugs, cytotoxic waste disposal, cytotoxic spills and rationale use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) like mask, cap, two pairs of gloves, gown and shoe cover. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge regarding safe handling of cytotoxic drugs among staff nurses working in selected hospitals, Kamrup(Metro), Assam. Methods And Materials: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted on safe handling of cytotoxic drugs among staff nurses.100 staff nurses who were working in selected hospitals, Kamrup (Metro), Assam and who fullled the inclusion criteria have been selected by using convenience sampling technique. The conceptual framework used in the study was based on modied Ludwig Von Bertalanffy (1968) general system theory. The tools used for the study were structured knowledge questionnaire to assess the knowledge regarding safe handling of cytotoxic drugs. Results: Data analysis was done by calculating mean, SD and chi-square test. It was found that majority i.e.56% of the staff nurses had moderate knowledge, 38% had adequate knowledge and 6% had inadequate knowledge. There was signicant association of knowledge with selected demographic variables like working area, physical contact towards cytotoxic drugs exposure and training attended on safe handling of cytotoxic drugs. However, there was no signicant association of knowledge with other demographic variables i.e. age, educational qualication, specialized oncology training, total years of working experience and total years of experience in specic working area. Conclusion: Through this study, the investigator concluded that staff nurses are moderately aware regarding safe handling of cytotoxic drugs. It was expected that all the staff nurses should have adequate knowledge on safe handling of cytotoxic drugs. An information booklet was provided to the staff nurses of selected hospitals and vigorous training should also be provided to the staff nurses inorder to update their body of knowledge.