Assessment of healthcare waste generation rate and its management system in health centers of West Gojjam zone, Amhara Region
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2007-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Abeba Universty
Abstract
Background: The aim of healthcare services is to reduce health problems and to prevent
potential health risks. On the other hand health facilities generate hazardous and non
hazardous waste that is potentially harmful to public health and the environment if not
segregated and dispose properly.
Objective: To assess the waste generation rate and its management system in health centers
of West Gojjam zone. .
Methods: Cross-sectional study was employed to estimate waste generation rate and evaluate
their management system in health centers from March 2007 to April 2007. Ten health centers
were included in the study. Observational checklist, key informant interview and weighting
scale were used to assess the management and to quantify the generation rate. Weighing of
healthcare waste was done for eight days in each health center. Data collectors and supervisor
were recruited and trained. Training of data collectors and calibration of weighing scale with
standard weights were done during data collection to assure data quality. Data were compiled
and analyzed with EPi Info version 6.04d & SPSS version 13.0.
Results: The mean (±SD) healthcare waste generation rate was 1.79 ±0.57 kg/day or
0.035kg/patient/day±0.07, of which (52.0%) 0.93±0.3 kg/day was general or non-hazardous
waste and (48.0%) 0.86 ± 0.33 kg/day was hazardous. The mean healthcare waste generation
rate between health centers did not significantly vary with Kurskal-Wallis test (x2=8.105, pvalue=
0.524). Only six health centers used safety boxes for collection of sharp wastes and all
health centers used plastic buckets with out lid for collection of healthcare waste. Segregation
of wastes and pre treatment of infectious wastes were not employed by any of the health
centers. Only four out of ten health centers used incinerators and the rest six health centers
used open burning for disposal of healthcare wastes. All study health centers had placenta pit
for disposal of pathological waste however only three pits had proper covering material.
Training about healthcare waste management was not given for waste handlers and healthcare
workers. Operational standards and healthcare waste management committee were not found
in any of the study health centers.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The mean healthcare waste was 0.035
kg/patient/day or 1.79 kg/day per health center of HCW was generated. It is managed and
disposed in manner that pose health risk to healthcare workers, waste handlers and the
vii
community in addition to contaminate the surrounding environment (air, soil and water).
Segregation of wastes at point of generation with appropriate collected material and pre
treatment of infectious waste before disposal should be practiced. Training of healthcare
workers and waste handlers should be given. Incinerators must be constructed in a manner
that facilitates complete combustion and the lining of placenta pit should be constructed in
watertight material.
Description
Keywords
Assessment of healthcare waste generation rate