Distribution and use of disposable syringes for the application of insulin in the Family Health Strategy

Abstract

The disposable syringes use can generate critical issues related to the users and environment safety. Therefore this is a statistical study aiming to describe the distribution process of disposable syringes to insulin injections on Family Health Strategy (ESF) Units and the use of these instruments by patients at home related to the distributed syringes type, numbers and utilization, emphasizing the reutilization and disposal practice of this material. A total of 169 users were selected through simple aleatory samples in 37 ESF units, in the urban area of a city of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2006. The data was collected using an application with closed structured questions, used as an interview, under the statistical descriptive analysis. Results showed a favorable situation in relation to material resources disposed, 99.4% of users informed having received free syringes. However, there was absence of proper distribution criteria regarding quantity of syringes and size of needles supplied, as well as risk conditions in the re-use and discard of syringes. As 41, 3% and 71% of the users respectively, lacked knowledge of syringe re-use and disposal. Facing this identified issue, ESF can favor the consolidation of interventions that consider collective and individual needs through routine practices.

Descriptors: Diabetes mellitus; Insulin; Family health; Nursing care.