<b>Reuse of disposable syringes and needles by a group of diabetics</b> - DOI: 10.4025/cienccuidsaude.v8i1.7782

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the reuse process of needles and syringes by diabetes patients. A cross-sectional research was carried out at three Basic Health Units in Sobral-CE, Brazil, involving 43 insulin-dependent diabetes patients, between April and June 2007, through previously scheduled home visits, using a checklist. Thirty patients (70%) were women, 27 (63%) were between 51 and 70 years of age. For 26 (60%) patients, treatment time using insulin ranged from one month to five years, 26 (60%) applied insulin once or twice per day, 18 (41%) injected themselves, 31 (72%) indicated having learned this from health professionals, 43 (100%) used disposable needles and syringes, 8 (19%) discarded them after the first use, 35 (81%) reused needles and syringes three to four times before throwing them away, 25 (58%) washed their hands before injecting, but 18 (42%) did not take the same care. In conclusion, as hypothesized, reusing disposable syringes and needles is a way of reducing expenses, although care with reuse is sometimes neglected.