Compliance with Chemotherapy Safety Standards Among Nurses

Background: Many chemotherapeutic agents are classified as carcinogenic substances, placing nurses—who are often in close contact with these agents—at significant risk of exposure. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of compliance with chemotherapy safety standards among nurses working in teaching hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study employed a census sampling method and included 110 nurses working in chemotherapy units of hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected using four questionnaires addressing nurses’ demographic characteristics, performance, knowledge levels, and attitudes. The attitude assessment encompassed dimensions of self-efficacy, perceived occupational barriers, risk perception, and workplace safety. Results: The mean age of the participants was 31.5±5.93 years. Most of the participants were female (71.8%) and held a bachelor’s degree (70%). The mean total performance score was 93.4±7.58. Mean knowledge scores were 7.38±2.38 for exposure to chemotherapy agents and 4.8±2.13 for awareness of side effects—both indicating a moderate level of knowledge. The mean scores for self-efficacy, occupational barriers, risk perception, and workplace safety were 15.99±2.06, 21.7±3.72, 5.76±1.64, and 39.17±4.11, respectively. Conclusion: The nurses in this study exhibited an acceptable level of knowledge and performance in adhering to standard chemotherapy safety protocols. However, to further enhance workplace safety and reduce occupational risks, continuous training initiatives focused on increasing awareness of chemotherapy-related hazards and adverse effects are strongly recommended.