Abstract
BackgroundMedical waste (MW) can be generated in hospitals, clinics and places where diagnosis and treatment are conducted. The management of these wastes is an issue of great concern and importance in view of potential public health risks associated with such wastes. The study assessed the medical waste management practices in selected hospitals and also determined the impact of Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) intervention programs. A descriptive cross-sectional survey method was used.MethodsData were collected using three instrument (questionnaire, site visitation and in –depth interview). Two public (hospital A, B) and five private (hospital C, D, E, F and G) which provide services for low, middle and high income earners were used. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 20. Chi-squared test was used to determine level of significance at p < 0.05.ResultsThe majority 56 (53.3 %) of the respondents were females with mean age of 35.46 (±1.66) years. The hospital surveyed, except hospital D, disposes both general and medical waste separately. All the facilities have the same process of managing their waste which is segregation, collection/on-site transportation, on-site storage and off–site transportation. Staff responsible for collecting medical waste uses mainly hand gloves as personal protective equipment. The intervention programs helped to ensure compliance and safety of the processes; all the hospitals employ the services of LAWMA for final waste disposal and treatment. Only hospital B offered on-site treatment of its waste (sharps only) with an incinerator while LAWMA uses hydroclave to treat its wastes. There are no policies or guidelines in all investigated hospitals for managing waste.ConclusionsAn awareness of proper waste management amongst health workers has been created in most hospitals through the initiative of LAWMA. However, hospital D still mixes municipal and hazardous wastes. The treatment of waste is generally done by LAWMA using hydroclave, to prevent environmental hazards except hospital B that treats its sharp with an incinerator. In order to enhance uniform and appropriate waste management practices in the entire State, there is need for capacity building at all levels and also policies and guidelines formulations.
Highlights
Medical waste (MW) can be generated in hospitals, clinics and places where diagnosis and treatment are conducted
It is of greater importance due to its potential environmental hazards and public health risks with high propensity to result into epidemics [3]
Awodele et al BMC Public Health (2016) 16:269 In Nigeria, a typical developing African nation, not many people are aware that medical waste contributes substantially to environmental pollution and hazards
Summary
Medical waste (MW) can be generated in hospitals, clinics and places where diagnosis and treatment are conducted The management of these wastes is an issue of great concern and importance in view of potential public health risks associated with such wastes. Medical waste management (MWM) has become a critical issue as it poses potential health risks and damage to the environment [1, 2] It is of greater importance due to its potential environmental hazards and public health risks with high propensity to result into epidemics [3]. It is important to note that healthcare wastes, if not properly managed, could pose an even greater threat and hazards than the original diseases It is the duty of hospital and healthcare centers to take care of public health issues such as MW. This is because the hospitals represent a unique environment, providing healthcare to patients and work environment for medical and other staff
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