Abstract:
Background: Chemotherapy drugs are critical component of cancer treatment, but poor
chemotherapy drug handling can pose a significant risk to the safety of oncology unit personnel
involved in oncology services. Adherence of chemotherapy drugs safe handling protocols, and
poor practice, will point to targets for improvement and possible interventions to minimize
chemotherapy drug exposure.
Objective: To assess safe handling practice of chemotherapy drugs among oncology unit health
care professionals at Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals of Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2024
Method: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from January 1 to January 30, 2024, in
Amhara Regional Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals among 116 oncology unit doctors,
nurses, and pharmacists with census approach. Oncology unit doctors, nurses, and pharmacists
were asked to self-assess their chemotherapy drug handling practice using the Cyto-SAT tool.
The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 23 software. A binary logistic regression
analysis model was used to determine factors that affect safe handling practices. A P-value <
0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Result: A total of 116 oncology unit healthcare professionals involved in the study. The total
practice scores of healthcare professionals towards the safe handling practice of chemotherapy
drugs were 60.3%. The mean scores of practices were 377.68 ± 67.31. Nurse Healthcare
professions and those worked at oncology unit for more than five years have good safe handling
practices.
Conclusion: There was an inadequate safe handling practice of chemotherapy drugs and the
implementation of guidelines among healthcare professionals, which requires more frequent inservice
training, monitoring, and evaluation of their practice.
