Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of health care workers on health care waste management in government facilities in greater Kakooge sub county, Nakasongola district.

Abstract

Waste generated from activities in health care facilities poses a great danger to public health and the environment if not properly managed. There is need for health care workers who handle waste to manage it appropriately. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers on health care waste management is necessary for generating information that could be used to protect public health and the environment. In this study, the knowledge, attitudes and practices among the healthcare workers of Government facilities in greater Kakooge sub-county on management of health care waste will therefore be assessed. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study design with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed. Quantitatively, self-administered questionnaires were used to interview54health care workers including, nurses, clinical officers, laboratory technicians, midwives, health assistants. This qualitative data was analysed using SPSS 20 software into descriptive statistics. Additionally, 8key informant interviews among health unit in charges and retired medical workers were also used to obtain more information qualitatively on the study. Qualitative data was then be thematically analysed into diagnostic statistics. Findings The present study revealed that health workers made up of lab technicians, nurses and midwives had sufficient knowledge of waste management in the health sector. The 62(100%) had appropriate knowledge of standard hospital waste management. Just over half (54%) of the staff were considered to have a good attitude towards the appropriate disposal of HCW based on their response to the questions. Majority 52(78.2%) practice proper waste management before disposal as they undergone training organized by this facility or in this facility on HCWM, while 47(60.3%) practiced standard waste disposal methods. However, sharp safety boxes were available in all the facilities.

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Conclusion and recommendation This study showed that there was adequate knowledge, attitude and practice of, and high level of compliance to standard medical waste management procedures, in addition to regular training and update on occupational safety measures. There was also good monitoring and regulation of healthcare activities, safe handling and disposal of hospital waste. And the study recommends that there is a need to focus on the control of medical waste disposal and offsite waste transportation to the final disposal destination. Local authorities should provide more training sessions for healthcare personnel who are directly involved in medical waste management in clinics and should also disseminate regulatory information, which will help personnel to understand the issue and perform their jobs properly in compliance with those regulations.