Assessment of Educational Intervention Effects on the Level of Oxidative Stress Parameters and Performance in Oncology Staff

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs causes the production of free radicals and their reaction with macromolecules in the body. Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational intervention by using urinary oxidative stress indices of the oncology staff in Iranian hospitals. Methods: Healthy full-time oncology and pharmacy staff (n = 45) participated in this prospective interventional study. The training of the personnel for proper handling of the antineoplastic drugs was given. During their work shift, their performance was recorded in a checklist. Urinary oxidative stress indices of the staff and scores of their performances were obtained before and after their training. Results: The mean performance score of all oncology staff was statistically higher than after 2 months of educational intervention (P < 0.001). The mean activity levels of Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase enzymes of all oncology staff was statistically lower than after 2 months of educational intervention (P < 0.001). The mean level of Malondialdehyde of all oncology staff was statistically lower than after 2 months of educational intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Educational intervention increased oncology staff performance score and it affected the level of the oxidative stress parameters 2 months after the educational intervention by decreasing the activity of enzymes and the level of malondialdehyde.