Predictors of Chemotherapy Safe-Handling Precautions and Knowledge Among a Sample of Jordanian Oncology Nurses: A Model-Building Approach

Abstract

Background: There are adverse side effects associated with handling chemotherapy; however, using safe-handling precautions can minimize or prevent these potential effects. Despite availability of international guidelines for chemotherapy handling, adherence to precautions is below expectations. This study examined knowledge of safe-handling precautions among a sample of oncology nurses in Jordon. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed that included a convenience sample of 153 oncology nurses. Oncology nurses from two hospitals completed the Chemotherapy Handling Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis, Spearman rank correlation coefficients, and regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of precaution use when handling hazardous drugs among participants. Findings: We observed that age, number of patients for whom the worker administered chemotherapy per day, the number of patients receiving chemotherapy per day in the participant’s work unit, nurses’ knowledge about safe-handling precautions, perceived risk, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, organization influence/workplace safety climate, conflict of interest, and interpersonal influences were predictors of use of safe-handling precautions (adjusted R2 = .66, p < .001). Conclusion/Application for Practice: Several predictors for using safe-handling precautions were identified. Clinically, chemotherapy handling procedures should be evaluated frequently to identify barriers to safe practices and to improve worker safety.