Qualitative study on the causes of improper disposal of discarded insulin pen needles in diabetic patients at home / 中国实用护理杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To understand the causes of improper disposal of discarded insulin pen needles at home in diabetic patients.Methods:Using descriptive phenomenological research method, semi-structured interviews were conducted in November 2021 with 18 patients with diabetes from the outpatient department of Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences Affiliated Sixth Peoples Hospital South Campus (Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital), and Colaizzi seven-step analysis method was used to extract the themes.Results:The reasons for improper disposal of discarded insulin pen needles at home by diabetic patients included misconceptions about methods for safe disposal of needles, low awareness of safe disposal of needles, fear of needle stick injuries, lack of social support, time and distance conflict and economic burden.Conclusions:Medical staff should pay attention to health education to increase patients′ knowledge about safe disposal of needles. The collection program was optimized to alleviate patients′ fear of safe disposal of needle. At the same time, multiple support should be given to improve patients′ compliance with safe disposal of needle.