Risk of oral genotoxicity: differences between knowledge and practice in contact with cytostatics by nursing

Abstract

Introduction. Cytostatics, drugs used in cancer treatment interacting with Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) or its precursors; inhibit the synthesis of new genetic material, they can cause irreparable damage. Genotoxicity, manifest toxicity in cellular DNA. Nursing has a high risk of presenting oral genotoxicity during preparation, handling and contamination by cytostatics manifested by Micronuclei and Nuclear Buds. Goal. To analyze the risk of oral genotoxicity due to the differences between knowledge and practice in contact with cytostatics by nursing. Methodology. Descriptive, crosssectional, observational study. Non-probabilistic sampling for convenience. Sample made up of 94 participants; by domain: 35, 44 and 54 (preparation, handling and contamination respectively) nursing professionals in contact with cytostatics in a second level institution, Morelia, Michoacán. Mexico. Validated instrument application, measures self-care in contact with cytostatics; Carrying out a shadow study using a checklist to evaluate selfcare in contact with cytostatics in a real setting. Results. Average age of participants with oral genotoxicity: 35.9 years 8.6; 93.3% (28) were women and 40% (12) had a technical nursing level. Dispersion graphs between scores by questionnaires and checklist by shadow study in domains: preparation, handling and contamination showing negative correlation. Conclusions. According to the results of questionnaires applied to the study population compared with the checklist obtained by the shadow study, there is a risk of genotoxicity in nursing personnel in contact with cytostatics; they correctly answer the self-care measurement questionnaire with cytostatics and in a real scenario they perform incorrect self-care actions.