Abstract
Background: Healthcare waste management remains a big challenge in the entire world since it poses serious hazards to human health and the environment if it is not well managed. The impact of re-occurring infectious diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid which demands effective healthcare waste management among healthcare workers also contribute to waste management challenges. Infectious waste management remains the biggest challenge in the developing countries.
Objective: This study assessed waste management knowledge and practices among healthcare workers. In addition, this study also determined if healthcare waste management practices were given attention by healthcare workers.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used across seven healthcare facilities in Gauteng South Africa. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. A total of 384 participants were drawn from seven Primary healthcare facilities in Ekurhuleni District. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25 software.
Results: A high proportion of healthcare workers from the age group of up to 30 years were less informed 180 (76.6%) than participants above 30 years 204 (70.7%) on waste disposal. The knowledge and practice had no association with age and gender. However, there was an association between the knowledge and practice. Some good practices, such as not discarding blood-stained bandages in clear plastics was reported (90.8%). The results showed that most participants did not have any supervision on waste management (65.0%).
Conclusion: The need for ongoing training and support in HCW management were required to ensure proper knowledge and safe practice among all members of staff.
Keywords: Health care workers, medical waste, knowledge, practice, disposal