Abstract

Introduction: The management of chemotherapy in the hospital environment has been associated with increased risk of exposure to harmful factors. The use of the designated protective area and equipment during the preparation and the administration of chemotherapy is considered the gold standard of prevention. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess nurse’s behavior in one public and one private hospital during the management of chemotherapy. Methods: A cross sectional study design, using a self-completing questionnaire was used to collect the data, the final sample consisted of n=82 nurses, employed in the oncology and haematology department of Limassol general hospital and the bank of Cyprus oncology center. Results: Most of the sample had a positive attitude towards the management and preparation of chemotherapy and kept the personal protection measures 52,4%. Inadequate aeration system was found to exist in both the health care centers 17,1%. The knowledge levels of the nurses employed in the bank of Cyprus oncology center was found to be statistically higher than the nurses employed in Limassol general hospital (84,4% Vs 23,4%, p

Key words: Nurses, Chemotherapy, Behaviour, Knowledge, Attitudes.