Syringe disposal practices and gender differences

2002-08-01
The Diabetes Educator, 28(1) 91-98. Jan/Feb, 2002
Debra E. McConville, MSN, CDE, RN CS, ANP
Edith M. Hamilton, PhD, RN CS, FNP

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to describe syringe disposal practices of
individuals with diabetes who take insulin and to investigate the attitude
toward and effect of previous information on proper syringe disposal.

Methods:
Adult men and women who injected insulin were recruited from an
endocrinology practice and given 2 questionnaires concerning syringe
disposal practices and attitude toward proper syringe disposal. Completed
questionnaires were returned by mail to the investigator. Nonparametric
statistical procedures were used to analyze the data.

Results:
Men with higher income tended to use the trash for syringe disposal more
often than lower income men, and older women exhibited a higher positive
attitude score than younger women. A positive attitude significantly
correlated with the likelihood of proper syringe disposal, and those who had
received previous information were more likely to dispose of syringes
properly. Healthcare providers were identified as the main source of
information.

Conclusions:
Diabetes educators can improve the syringe disposal practices of their
patients through education at each office visit. Knowing more about the
environmental and social problems that may ensue from improper syringe
disposal may influence patients to practice better disposal methods.