Potential health risks among oncology staff nurses of selected hospitals due to antineoplastic drug exposure

Adverse effects similar to those seen in treated cancer patients may occur in healthcare professionals who handle these drugs regularly. The main aim of the study was to explore potential health risks among staff nurses exposed to antineoplastic drugs. The study involved a purposive sample of 150 oncology staff nurses. Data were collected from 5 different hospitals with separate oncology units at Udupi district and Mangalore,Karnataka in India. The data were collected through self-administered potential health risks assessment questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that most of the participants138 (92%) had low degree of potential health risks. Major identified health problems were contact dermatitis (22.7%), nasal sores (12.7%), allergic reaction (16%), hair loss (54%), abortion (3.3%), menstrual problems (18.7%), congenital malformation, behavioral abnormality and intellectual problems in offspring’s (1.3 %each).