Nurses' Knowledge and Practices Regarding Safe Handling of Chemotherapeutic Agents

Background: Chemotherapy agents are highly toxic and pose health risks not only to patients but also to healthcare providers, particularly nurses who handle these agents frequently. Safe handling practices are essential to protect both patients and healthcare staff from potential hazards.Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices of nurses regarding the safe handling of chemotherapeutic agents.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in oncology units across five hospitals in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 250 nurses sampled through proportionate sampling. Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire from Asefa et al. (17), comprising socio-demographic data and questions on safe handling practices. Ethical approval was granted by Bacha Khan University’s Ethical Review Board, and data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 25.Results: The mean age of participants was 35.56 years; 89% were female, and 76% held a diploma in nursing. Knowledge levels were low, with 70% displaying poor knowledge, 20% moderate, and 10% good. Practice levels were unsatisfactory in 75% of cases, with only 25% demonstrating satisfactory practices.Conclusion: Significant gaps exist in nurses' knowledge and practices regarding chemotherapy handling. Targeted training and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to improve these outcomes.