Health care waste management among health workers and associated factors in primary health care facilities in Kampala City, Uganda: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Healthcare wastes (HCWs) are one of the most hazardous wastes globally; second to only radiation waste. HCW management needs to be prioritized because of the devastating effects on human health and environment if not well managed. Health workers play a crucial role in management of HCWs. This study investigated the management of HCWs among health workers and associated factors in primary health care facilities in Kampala City, Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional health facility survey in 8 primary health care facilities in Kampala City from March to April 2017. We interviewed health workers who provided data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices on HCW management. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used as a measure of association between HCW management and associated factors. The PRs were obtained using a multivariable modified Poisson regression using a generalized linear model of Poisson family with a logarithm as the canonical link function, with robust standard errors while applying a forward elimination method. Results A total of 200 health workers responded to the survey; Knowledge of HCW management was high 143 (71.5%, 95% CI (65.2–77.8)). About 160 (80.0%) wore appropriate personal protective wear when handling HCWs. Overall, 148 (74.0%, 95% CI (67.8–80.1) had satisfactory HCW management practices. Health workers with diploma education (Adjusted PR = 1.49, 95% CI (1.13–1.96), working in the teenage corner (Adjusted PR = 1.10, 95% CI (1.01–1.29), previous training on HCW management (Adjusted PR = 1.19, 95% CI (1.01–1.42) and those who thought HCW management was important (Adjusted PR = 2.81, 95% CI (1.22–6.47) were more likely to have satisfactory HCW management practices. Conclusion The practices of health workers on HCW management were largely satisfactory. Higher odds of HCW management were determined among health workers with diploma education, previous HCW management trainings and among those who perceived HCW management as important. There is need to organize HCW management trainings in order to improve their HCW management practices among health workers.

Perceived risk and associated factors of healthcare waste in selected hospitals of Kathmandu, Nepal

“…Besides, the odds of adequate risk perception among healthcare workers who took training were 1.87 times higher than the odds of risk perception among those who didn’t take training on healthcare waste. [ 26 ] Similar factor like waste management training was associated in a study done by Wafula ST et al[ 32 ] Knowledge was significantly associated with risk perception towards healthcare waste among community people residing around the hospitals in a study carried out in Kathmandu, Nepal. [ 19 ]…”

“…Significant at p<0.05 Ref: Reference https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0235982.t003PLOS ONEby Wafula ST et al[32] Knowledge was significantly associated with risk perception towards healthcare waste among community people residing around the hospitals in a study carried out in Kathmandu, Nepal [19]. …”

Healthcare Waste Management Practice and Associated Factors among Private and Public Hospitals of Bahir Dar City Administration

“…Healthcare workers who had a mean score or above on the assessing questions regarding the healthcare waste management practice were considered having good healthcare waste management practice. Otherwise, they were considered as having poor healthcare waste management practice [ 30 ].…”

Gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos na atenção primária à saúde

“…Due to the lack of this specific environment, as well as the lack of knowledge of the legislation, ANVISA norms and management technique, professionals are taken to store the waste in environments where other types of activities are performed and, often, the waste is disposed of in the unit outdoor patio environment. 8,12,13,14,15 Once collected at its internal storage site, waste is collected for its treatment and final destination. In most health care units, this process is performed by outsourced collection and treatment companies.…”