Publication: Assessment of effectiveness of hospital waste management practices in public health facilities in Garissa County - Kenya
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2021-06
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Mount Kenya University
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Abstract
Hospital waste management requires an organized systematic channeling of waste
through practically appropriate recovery disposal routes, consistent with acceptable
public health and environmental safeguards. Management of hospital wastes is
identified as one of the most critical operations in hospital environment. This is because
such wasted can cause serious health problems. The Ministry of Health estimates 47%
of hospital waste generated cannot be accounted for, thus risking the health of
individuals and the general environment. The study was aimed to identifying and
assessing the determinants of effective waste management practices in public health
facilities in Garissa County. The specific objectives of the study focused on
effectiveness of waste management practices, exposure to hospital wastes and health
risks associated with hospital wastes in public health facilities in Garissa County. The
study adopted a cross sectional design. The target population of this study is 2240
management staffs in 32 public health facilities in Garissa County and 500 households
around the damp sites. The study used stratified proportionate sampling to sample of
340 staff and random sampling to sample 328 members of the community potentially
exposed to hospital wastes. Quantitative and qualitative research data was collected
through questionnaires and observation respectively. Descriptive statistics such as
frequencies and percentages were used to analyze categorical data while Chi-square test
was used to determine the relationships between the variables. The analysis was aided
by GraphPad Prism statistical software version 7.04. The data was presented in tables,
bar graphs and charts. From the findings, it was concluded that on averagely, proper
hospital waste segregation occurs in Garissa County health facilities. Most health
facilities were established to have in place informed and dedicated who follow waste
management guidelines. On the other hand, it was evident from the findings that most
health facilities in Gerissa County lack suitable and adequate temporary waste holding
and treatment areas. Similarly, there health facilities have inadequate transportation
mechanisms hampering regular emptying of waste containers. In addition, available
incineration facility was not in good condition. As a result of poor health waste
management, people living around waste management areas are exposed to health risk
including contaminated sharps, contaminated ground water, and food poisoning as well
as skin infections. The study recommends that appropriate clinical waste management
should be put into place to ensure protection of human health and the environment.
Similarly, adequate and appropriate waste handling and management equipment be
availed to health facilities for efficient waste management. Staff involved in waste
handling and management should be trained to minimize injuries and to enhance
hospital waste management efficiency and effectiveness. Lastly, waste management
areas should be isolated and fenced and communities living around the areas sensitized
on the potential health hazards and how such hazards can be avoided.
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Keywords
Hospital waste management, Bio hospital waste