Abstract
Background: Generation of health care waste within health care facilities is an activity that takes place daily at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Health care waste must be managed according to prescribed statutory requirements because if improperly managed, it can cause harm to the patients, visitors, employees and the environment. All employees within health care facilities must know how to manage different types of health care waste generated within their facilities.
Objective: This study was conducted to assess knowledge levels and practices of health professionals on health care waste management at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
Methods: The research data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which was distributed to health professionals working within Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. A non-probability convenient sampling strategy was used to select the study participants. Data analysis was done comparing males and females in terms of waste management. EPINFO 7.2 was used for crude odds ratios and using SPSS version 25 for logistic regression to calculate the adjusted odds ratios.
Results: Comparing males and females, study participants aged 30 years and below and 31-40 years are more likely in both crude and adjusted analysis of not having knowledge and good practices on health care waste management. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 9.21 95% CI (2.02 – 41.96), AOR = 5.90 95% CI (1.23 – 27.05) respectively. Participants doing an internship, community service and others were more significantly likely not to have the knowledge and good practices on health care waste management, AOR= 1.65 95%CI (0.47 – 5.74) and AOR= 1.53 95% CI (0.44- 5.29) respectively. Participants who chose green containers for the disposal of infectious waste are significantly more likely to not know HCWM practices, AOR= 6.13 95 % CI (1.77-21.17). Participants who responded, ‘when above the fill line’ to the question ‘when do you close health care waste container” were more likely to not know HCWM, AOR= 3.48 95% CI (1.55-7.82). Participants who responded, ‘report to the matron in charge’ to the question “when needles are disposed on top of a sharps container lid what do you do “were more likely to not know, AOR=2.12 95% CI (0.97- 4.65).
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Conclusion: It is evident that there are employees who do not know about healthcare waste management, especially those below 41 years and those doing contract work. Induction training must be emphasized, and more refresher training conducted within the facility.
Keywords: Health care waste management, practices, knowledge, health care facility, Challenges, health professionals, incorrect disposal, awareness, training.