New diabetes month focus: Safe Needle Disposal
2002-11-25Women Diabetics More Safety–Conscious than Men: Study
HOUSTON, November 25, 2002 – The majority of the 1 to 2 billion needles used each year by Americans with diabetes are currently disposed of in ways that could pose risks to children, neighbors, pets and the general public, according to a *study published in the Diabetes Educator . To answer this problem, diabetes educators and a new national coalition have begun a national campaign to advocate proper needle disposal among “at-home” needle users.
The Coalition for Safe Community Needle Disposal is a collaboration of businesses, community groups, not-profit organizations and government that promotes public awareness and solutions for safe disposal of needles, syringes and other sharps in the community.
The Coalition is supported by the American Diabetes Association, American Association of Diabetes Educators, American Medical Association, American Pharmacists Association, National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors.
Start-up funding for the Coalition was provided by The Waste Management Charitable Foundation, Inc., and BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company). In addition, the Coalition receives support and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study conducted by nurses Debra E. McConville, a diabetes educator and Edith M. Hamilton, PhD of the School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri, found women dispose of used syringes more responsibly than men. Men, particularly those with higher incomes, reported throwing away syringes directly in the household trash at least 3 out 4 times, despite educational information recommending otherwise. On the other hand, more than half of the women surveyed use puncture resistant containers as a disposal option.
While traveling nearly one-half of both men and women reported disposing of the needle in the trash in public places. The other one-half will take the needle home and dispose of used syringes in their household trash.
The number of “in-home” injection users in the United States is estimated at 8 million, or approximately 3 percent of the U.S. population. These people make about 2 billion self-administered injections at-home to treat diabetes, allergies, infertility, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions. Injection drug users (IDUs) using illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine account for approximately and additional 1 billion injections each year outside medical facilities.
For more information contact the Coalition for Safe Needle Disposal at 713-980-3120 or visit the website at safeneedledisposal.org.
*Results from the study published in Diabetes Educator , Volume 28, Number 1, January/February 2002.