Assessment of training and practices to reduce reproductive health hazards through occupational exposure in nurses

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe the level of training that oncology nurses at an academic institution receive on occupational exposures to antineoplastic and hazardous drugs that negatively impact reproductive health. The study focuses on hospital employed oncology nurses and address the knowledge gap between known guidelines and effectiveness of hospital policies and training of workers in regard to reproductive health risks including infertility, reproductive diseases, and adverse birth and developmental outcomes. Methods: We reviewed institutional documents available to all hospital employees for information concerning reproductive hazards from occupational exposures. We also administered a questionnaire to outpatient and inpatient oncology nurses to assess their knowledge on reproductive hazards associated with occupational exposure to chemotherapy agents, what training was provided by the institution, and attitudes towards safety. Results: Of twenty institutional documents that were specifically related to reproductive hazards only six specifically addressed these hazards in any way. Of the six documents only one mentioned the specific reproductive health risk in more than a cursory statement. It is expected that the level of PPE used by the nurses will be affected by their knowledge of reproductive hazards associated with handling antineoplastic and hazardous drugs. Conclusions: Language concerning reproductive health issues should be made part of institutional documents when applicable. The specific reproductive health risks involved should be carefully defined and reference should be made to relevant study findings.