Descarte de perfurocortante por insulinodependentes em domicílio no município de Cajazeiras- Paraíba.

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic disease and has high prevalence rates and due to the existence of many patients who have their therapy based on food control, pharmacological therapy and insulin application, there is a concern about the disposal of sharps ( lancets and needles) and insulin residue, in view of the patients' lack of knowledge about the correct disposal and the absence of education measures on the subject by health professionals prescribing or accompanying the treatment. This is a quantitative approach, conducted in the city of Cajazeiras-PB, collected in September and December 2017, from a semi-structured interview, guided by a pre-tested form. Sampling characterization variables were also collected for sociodemographic and economic data. The study consisted of insulin-dependent patients who self-administered insulin, legal caregivers and caregivers who apply to these users residing in Cajazeiras, regardless of gender and age. The sample universe consisted of 37 individuals, and the sociodemographic profile of the interviewees showed that the majority were female (24), between 50 and 59 years old (11), literacy level (31) with secondary education (12), monthly income of a minimum wage (16). The self-reported data stand out: 15 reported making a daily application; 20 do not reuse materials and 17 reuse; 31 put needles, syringes, and lancets in the common trash; 32 discard tapes and residues of insulin in the common waste; 31 did not receive guidance on how the professionals discard it. With regard to the knowledge of the risks of incorrect disposal and the damage caused by the sharps in the common garbage, 25 are aware of the potential risks of accidents, but 34 individuals said they were not harmed by the materials thrown in the trash. Finally, it is possible to consider that the results of this work can contribute by adding values on the evidences found in the field of public and environmental health, favoring the development of new studies on the disposal of sharps at home.