Access, awareness, and risk: drivers of unsafe sharps disposal and needle reuse in insulin-treated adults in China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Unsafe household sharps disposal and needle reuse among insulin-treated adults pose clinical and public health risks; however, population-based data from China are limited.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of consecutive insulin-treated outpatients at a tertiary hospital in Enshi, Hubei (February 2023-December 2024). A cross-culturally adapted questionnaire captured 30-day disposal and reuse practices, community-safety incidents, and access determinants. Primary outcomes were unsafe disposal (household trash, public bins, or toilets/sinks) and any needle reuse. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Among 1,810 insulin-treated adults, unsafe sharps disposal was widesp

SUBMITTER: Wu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12657182 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature