Management of used face/nose masks in a higher learning institution: Lessons from the developing world

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge in medical waste, including used masks, reaching record levels. This study assessed used face/nose mask management awareness, attitude, and practices of the students and staff of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The total and fecal coliform loads of used face/nose masks were also analyzed. Using a descriptive cross-sectional research design, the data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Total and fecal coliforms were estimated using the Most Probable Number technique which was followed by incubation on selective media. The findings of the study showed that plastic wastes are the most commonly generated waste in KNUST (75.0%). Awareness of solid waste management was significantly related to the study level of the respondents (chi-square value = 30.463, p-value = 0.002). A majority of the respondents (88.6%) dispose of their used masks in bins and only a few disposed of theirs using other methods; burning (3.6%) or on the street (2.1%). The study revealed that an individual's level of education was significantly associated with poor solid waste management (x2 = 26.433, p-value = 0.009), level of awareness of face masks (x2 = 30.463, p-value = 0.002), types of solid waste generated (x2 = 27.514, p-value = 0.001) and the types of used face/nose mask generated (x2 = 34.279, p-value = 0.000). The mean total and fecal coliforms count recorded were 9.24 × 106 ± 6.25 × 106 cfu/100 ml and 1.56 × 106 ± 9.86 × 105 cfu/100 ml, respectively. Establishing and implementing proper waste management protocols and infrastructure for handling the increased volume of used masks is crucial to ensure public health and environmental protection.