Knowledge and Practices of the Oncology Nurses regarding Health Hazards of Chemotherapy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Chemotherapy is a vital treatment modality for many cancers, and evolving new anti-cancer drugs represents one of the largest pharmaceutical development areas. Safe handling chemotherapy guidelines recommend applying the hierarchy of control technologies to mitigate workplace hazards and limit nurses' exposure to hazardous drugs (HDs).Aim: Assess knowledge and practices of the oncology nurses regarding health hazards of chemotherapy. Study design: A descriptive exploratory analytical design was utilized achieve the aim of the study. Setting: Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Hospital, Haematology Department, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department at Ain sham University Hospitals. Sample: A convenience sample including all nurses from both sexes totalled 173nures. Study Tools: Two tools were used. First Tool: Self-administrative questionnaire including: - Part I: Assess the nurse’s socio- demographic characteristics. As well as, Part II: Assess the nurse’s knowledge regarding types, frequency of chemotherapy health hazards and the available safety measures Second Tool: Observation checklist to assess the nurse’s practices. Results: 59.52% of the oncology nurses had satisfactory level of knowledge about chemotherapy, while 40.46% of them had unsatisfactory level. 93.64% of the oncology nurses’ levels of practices were satisfactory regarding chemotherapy drugs, and administration, while 6.36% had un-satisfactory level. Conclusion: The study findings revealed that most of the oncology nurses possessed satisfactory level of practices, and more than half of them had satisfactory level of knowledge about chemotherapy, a strong positive correlation between knowledge, and practices. Recommendation: Develop and implement an updated guideline and regular mandatory training programs for the oncology nurses junior & senior in the study settings, focusing on the safe handling of chemotherapeutic agents, including precautions from the health hazards.
Source: Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222895335