Patterns of Sharps Handling and Disposal Among Insulin-Using Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Diabetes Management

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) management often involves self-injection with sharps.
• Safe disposal of sharps is critical to prevent needlestick injuries and disease transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate sharps disposal practices among patients with diabetes mellitus on insulin therapy.
• To identify unsafe disposal patterns and assess patient education levels regarding sharps management.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted among 150 diabetic patients (inpatients and outpatients).
• Data collected included sharps disposal methods, needle/lancet reuse frequency, and prior education received.
• Safe disposal was defined as using a formal sharps container; otherwise, it was deemed unsafe.

Main Results:

• 38% of patients unsafely disposed of lancets, and 33% unsafely disposed of insulin needles, often in household trash.
• 75% discarded insulin pens, vials, and related supplies into household trash.
• 64% reported no education on safe sharps disposal, and 84% had not sought municipal guidance.

Conclusions:

• Approximately one-third of patients practiced unsafe sharps disposal.
• Unsafe disposal poses a significant public health hazard due to potential sharps in municipal waste.
• Targeted patient education at the point of care and public health campaigns are recommended.