Abstract

ROJAS MARTINI, Maritza; MEDINA, Evelyn; HERNANDEZ, Aracelis  and  INFANTE, Saba. Preliminary Study on Safety Conditions in Health Workers Exposed to Antineoplastic Drugs. Rev. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2007, vol.5, n.2, pp. 10-25. ISSN 1692-7273.

A study was done to establish work practices and preventive measures for nurses handling antineoplastic drugs (AND) and to determine the risk of developing AND-related symptoms. A descriptive cross sectional study was made. Workers from 5 health centers in Valencia, Venezuela, were selected. Demography, occupational and clinical history, shift, work practices, safety precautions, antineoplastic drugs used, residues disposal and life styles were obtained via a questionnaire. Most prevalent symptoms were adjusted for age, shift, and smoking. Age was significant for cough and dizziness; smoking was significant for abdominal pain and shift was significant for nausea and cough. Nauseas were the most prevalent symptom (55%). Dizziness was directly associated with use of gowns and inversely half-face respirator. None of the studied centers had satisfactory working conditions. A follow up study should be made including physical exam and environmental and biological monitoring.

Keywords : Antineoplastic drugs; occupational exposure; occupational risks.