Knowledge, attitude and practice of paramedics towards health care waste in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Healthcare waste causes environmental and public health hazards. This study assessed the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of healthcare workers in Paramedical Centers in Port Harcourt Metropolis. A purposive sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire and on-the-spot observation. A total of 77 healthcare centers were sampled. Frequency of types of healthcare; pharmacy (33.8%), medical laboratory (28.6%), ‘chemist’ (27.3%), and drug store (10.3%). Females dominated (64.9%) against the males (35.1%). These facilities do not employ waste handlers (0%) to manage their waste. Majority, 75.3% had a first degree, 13.0% higher degree, and 11.7% had O' level certificate. All the healthcare centers (100%) produce biomedical waste, and 52.3% produce hazardous waste, 37.7% are aware of the correct guidelines for the disposal of biomedical wastes and only 35.1% of facilities practiced good waste disposal, 57.1% had no idea the kind of waste disposal practice and still dispose of their waste on road medians. Only 5.2% have undergone training. Only 37.7% segregate their wastes. In conclusion, the attitude and practice of the Healthcare workers towards waste in the area is low. It is recommended that advocacy be intensified as no one is safe until all of us are safe.