Factors Contributing to Appropriate Sharps Disposal in the Community Among Patients With Diabetes

Proper disposal of sharps has been well studied in hospital settings but not often addressed in the home setting. This lack of attention has resulted in erratic use of proper sharps disposal techniques and thus increased risk of needle-stick injuries and infections. This study aimed to evaluate methods of disposal and patient demographic factors associated with correct disposal of diabetes-related sharps in the community.

A survey was administered to diabetes patients at an endocrinology clinic of an academic tertiary care center. Correct disposal of sharps was defined as use of designated sharps or other leak-proof containers. Numerous patient factors were evaluated for a clinically significant association with correct disposal of sharps via χ² testing.

Fifty-nine percent of patients reported disposing of their sharps correctly. Those with diabetes for >30 years had the lowest rate of correct disposal (36%). Age, sex, education level, type of diabetes, and type of diabetes regimen were not associated with correct disposal. Patients who received formal training on proper sharps disposal from a nurse or from other sources were more likely to dispose of sharps correctly (odds ratio [OR] 3.95, 95% CI 1.37-11.34, and OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.5-13.85, respectively). Married patients were less likely to correctly dispose of sharps (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.92, P = 0.033).

This study was the first to examine disposal practices and associated risk factors for poor disposal methods among patients in a U.S. tertiary medical center. A large portion of patients was found to have improper sharps disposal practices. Prior formal training in sharps disposal was associated with higher rates of correct practices, suggesting that increased emphasis on provider-patient education can lead to significant improvement in disposal habits.