Targeted Training Programs Research Articles

Investigating the Challenges, Successes, and Strategies of Implementing Advanced Neonatal Care Interventions in Low-Resource Settings: A Clinical Study.

Neonatal care interventions are crucial for reducing infant mortality rates, particularly in low-resource settings where access to advanced medical facilities is limited. Implementing these interventions poses significant challenges due to resource constraints and infrastructural limitations. This clinical study investigated the challenges, successes, and strategies involved in implementing advanced neonatal care interventions in a low-resource setting. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data collected from a neonatal care unit in a resource-limited area over a period of two years. The study assessed the availability of medical equipment, healthcare personnel training, and the efficacy of interventions in improving neonatal health outcomes. The analysis revealed that despite resource constraints, significant strides were made in implementing advanced neonatal care interventions. Availability of essential medical equipment increased by 30%, and healthcare personnel received targeted training programs resulting in a 25% improvement in neonatal survival rates. Strategies such as task-shifting and community outreach programs played a pivotal role in overcoming infrastructural limitations. Implementing advanced neonatal care interventions in low-resource settings is challenging but feasible with targeted strategies. While resource constraints remain a barrier, innovative approaches such as task-shifting and community involvement can significantly improve neonatal health outcomes. Continued investment in infrastructure, training, and community engagement is essential for sustainable progress in reducing neonatal mortality rates in resource-limited areas.

Assessing communication competencies of public servants in Kazakhstan: Current status and approaches for enhancement

Political crises, socio-economic issues, and industrial shocks in Kazakhstan highlight the need for prompt and proficient government responses to mitigate their consequences. Public managers must possess the capability to assume responsibility and communicate effectively. This study aims to analyze the level of communication competencies among civil servants in Kazakhstan to assess their status and propose approaches for enhancement. The study utilized a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative survey and qualitative interviews. The quantitative phase involved the distribution of structured questionnaires to civil servants across diverse departments (n = 4,790), aiming to evaluate existing communication competencies, identify strengths and weaknesses, and comprehend prevailing communication issues. The qualitative component included in-depth interviews with selected participants to better understand their experiences and views on communication in the public service sector (n = 27 experts). Research findings define the existing problems and barriers that hinder the development of the communicative competencies of civil servants. Most respondents (25%) believe that problems stem from a lack of understanding of information and citizens’ reluctance or inability to interact with government agencies, while 16% attribute issues to civil servants’ behavioral barriers. Smaller percentages point to language barriers (11%), emotional barriers (9%), cultural barriers (6%), and gender barriers (3%) as contributing factors. Additionally, the study revealed a lack of systematic training and support for developing effective communication skills among government employees. The study suggests several approaches to improve communication competencies, such as targeted training programs, cross-departmental collaboration, and organizational culture promotion. Acknowledgment The study was carried out within the framework of grant funding from the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (IRN AP14872210).

Exploring emerging technologies: librarians’ awareness, challenges and ethical perspectives in Thai library contexts, with a focus on the metaverse

PurposeThis study aims to assess the awareness, interest, and challenges faced by Librarians in Thailand regarding Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the Metaverse. Specifically, it investigates librarians' current proficiency levels, interests, perceptions of future impacts, and ethical considerations associated with these emerging technologies in the context of Library and Information Science (LIS).Design/methodology/approachA quantitative survey approach was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire distributed to Thai librarians across various library types. The questionnaire aligned with the study objectives and incorporated Likert-scale and multiple-choice questions. The analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 29.FindingsThe study reveals varying levels of awareness and competence among librarians in AR, VR, and the Metaverse technologies. While interest levels are high across various aspects of these technologies within LIS, challenges such as cost, expertise, ethics, and infrastructure hinder their integration into library services. Respondents anticipate a moderate to significant impact of the Metaverse on future library services, with concerns and optimism regarding ethical implications and innovative opportunities.Originality/valueThis study contributes to understanding the landscape of emerging technologies within library settings in Thailand, shedding light on librarians' awareness, interest, challenges, and ethical perspectives. The findings underscore the importance of targeted training programmes and strategic planning to facilitate the effective integration of AR, VR, and Metaverse technologies into library services, ensuring ethical considerations are prioritised alongside innovation.

Impacts of Kinematic Information on Action Anticipation and the Related Neurophysiological Associations in Volleyball Experts.

In this study, we investigated the cognitive mechanisms underlying action anticipation in volleyball players, especially concerned with the differences between experts and amateurs. Participants included both expert (male, N = 26) and amateur (male, N = 23) volleyball players, who were asked to predict spiking movements containing high, medium, and low levels of kinematic information while their electrophysiological activities were recorded. The high-information stimuli included the whole spiking action, the medium-information stimuli ended at 120 ms, and the low-information stimuli ended at 160 ms before hand-ball contact. The results showed that experts significantly outperformed amateurs in both prediction accuracy (68% in experts vs. 55% in amateurs) and reaction time (475.09 ms in experts vs. 725.81 ms in amateurs) under the medium-information condition. Analysis of alpha rhythm activity revealed that experts exhibited the strongest desynchronization under the low-information condition, suggesting increased attentional engagement. In contrast, amateurs showed the weakest desynchronization under the medium-information condition. Furthermore, mu rhythm activity analysis showed greater desynchronization in the duration of 100-300 ms before hand-ball contact for experts, correlating with their higher anticipation accuracy. These findings highlight the significant kinematic information-processing abilities of volleyball experts and elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying efficient attentional engagement and mirroring. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights for the development of targeted training programs through which to enhance athletic performance.

Prevalence and Predictors of Quality of Ethnic Minority Human Resources in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

This study investigates the prevalence and predictors of ethnic minority human resource (HR) quality in Vietnam’s Central Highlands through a community-based cross-sectional survey across five provinces. The study assessed ten factors: “Overall Quality” (knowledge-KNO, attitude-ATT, skills-SKI, physical strength-PHY) and “Supporting Policies and Conditions” (utilization policy-USA, training and development-TRA, remuneration-REM, standard of living-EAR, working conditions-CON, culture-CUL). Significant relationships were found among the all factors of the group “Supporting Policies and Conditions” (p<0.001 all). Moreover, five factors (USA, TRA, EAR, CON, CUL) with demographic factors such as ethnicity, education, management experience, and years of work showed significant impacts the quality of ethnic minority HR (p<0.05 all). These results highlight the importance of comprehensive policies and targeted training programs to improve the overall quality of ethnic minority human resources, providing valuable insights for policymakers to enhance socio-economic development in Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities.

Competencies of Philippine Coast Guard Personnel in the Enforcement of Criminal Laws

This study shows a comprehensive evaluation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel's competencies in enforcing maritime criminal laws. Anchored in the context of the Philippines' complex maritime environment, the research highlighted the pivotal role of the PCG in safeguarding maritime security, safety, and environmental protection through effective law enforcement. Employing mixed methods, the study used interviews and survey questionnaire among PCG personnel. The findings revealed significant gaps in knowledge and skills among PCG personnel, particularly in the application of specific criminal laws and procedures relevant to maritime law enforcement. It was observed that while personnel possessed basic knowledge of laws, there were inconsistencies in their ability to apply this knowledge effectively during law enforcement operations. Additionally, the study identified a strong correlation between the level of education, training, and the competency levels of the respondents, suggesting that continuous professional development and targeted training programs are crucial for enhancing the PCG’s operational effectiveness. The study underscored the need for a structured and comprehensive training program tailored to address the identified competency gaps. The program is essential for enhancing capabilities for maritime criminal laws enforcement. The research advocated for the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application through continuous education and training, emphasizing the importance of developing a skilled workforce capable of adapting to the challenges of maritime law enforcement. The findings serve as a strategic guide for the PCG to enhance personnel management, operational efficiency, and stakeholder trust, ultimately contributing to the nation's maritime security framework.

Professional quality of life and job satisfaction among nurses working at tertiary hospitals in central Ethiopia

BackgroundProfessional quality of life is a crucial aspect of healthcare professionals’ well-being and job satisfaction. Job satisfaction, on the other hand, encompasses fulfillment of desired needs within the work environment, happiness or gratifying emotional response towards working conditions, and job values or equity. Existing literature tends to address job satisfaction and professional quality of life separately, overlooking their interconnectedness, especially within the unique context of Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess nurses’ professional quality of life and job satisfaction.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1–30 2023 among 420 nurses using a structured questionnaire. The study participants were recruited by simple random sampling. Multiple linear regressions were used to identify factors associated with outcome variables.ResultsThe study involved 420 nurses, with 407 completing the questionnaire, yielding a 96.68% response rate. The findings revealed varying levels of professional quality of life. Specifically, 258 participants (63.4%) exhibited low compassion satisfaction, while 271 (66.6%) and 266 (65.4%) experienced average levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress, respectively. Job satisfaction was moderate to high for 55% of the participants. As the finding of this study indicates, there is a positive correlation between compassion satisfaction and job satisfaction in nursing. The study also identified predictors for job satisfaction, compassion satisfaction, and compassion fatigue, such as marital status, education, and experience.ConclusionThe majority of participants reported a medium level of compassion satisfaction, with a significant proportion experiencing moderate to high levels of compassion fatigue. Although more than half of the participants had moderate to high job satisfaction, there were still low levels of satisfaction. The study recommends developing targeted training programs, implementing workplace policies, and designing initiatives to enhance education, experience, and compassion satisfaction.

The Effects of Crossfit Training Program on Promoting Physical Fitness Towards a Training Program for Guangdong University Basketball League Players

In this paper, 20 basketball players from each of the three universities who participated in the Guangdong University Basketball League, total 60 persons, were used as experimental subjects. Each university was divided into an experimental group of 10 players and a control group of 10 players for a 12-week comparison experiment. The experimental group was trained using CrossFit program and the control group was trained using traditional physical training methods. The six indexes of body shape, strength, speed, endurance, flexibility and agility were taken as the physical fitness evaluation indexes, and the corresponding test items were body fat percentage, standing long jump, bench press, squat, deadliftl, 3/4 full-court sprint run, 15×17 folding run, 3000 meters run, seated body flexion, and T-word agility test, a total of 10 test items. The data collected before and after the 12 weeks of training were statistically and analytically analysed through the use of EXCEL and SPSS26.0 software. To explore the effects of CrossFit training on athletes' physical fitness relative to traditional physical training. The purpose of the study is to combine CrossFit training with the characteristics of basketball, arrange and design a targeted training program, and help athletes of the Guangdong University Basketball League to improve their physical fitness and performance on the basketball court through scientific training means and methods. Conclusion: Before the CrossFit training program, there is no significant difference in the physical fitness index scores of body shape, strength, speed, endurance, flexibility and sensitivity between the control group and the experimental group, There is no significant difference between the physical status of the control group and the experimental group before the CrossFit training program; After the CrossFit training program, there are significant differences between the control group and the experimental group in terms of body shape, strength, speed, endurance. There were no significant differences in flexibility and sensitivity, but the experimental group improved more than the control group. There is a significant difference between the physical status of the control group and the experimental group after the CrossFit training program; There is no significant difference in the physical status of the control group before and after the experiment. There is a significant difference in the physical status of the experimental group before and after CrossFit training. CrossFit training program is more suitable for improving the physical fitness of college basketball players in Guangdong Province.

Assessing the Use of Creative Writing Strategies in English Language Teaching in Jordan: Challenges and Teacher-Proposed Solutions from their Point of View

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the degree English Language Teachers (ELTs) in Jordan apply creative writing strategies to teach writing. It also aimed to explore the challenges that face teachers when they apply the strategies, and their suggestions to overcome them. Methods: This study employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data through a structured questionnaire involving 200 teachers from 48 government and private schools in Jordan. Qualitative data were also gathered through classroom observation notes and interviews with 20 participating teachers from the questionnaire. Results: The analyses revealed significant differences in teachers' usage of creative writing techniques based on their teaching experience. Specialized English language teachers with less than three years of experience showed a greater preference for these methods compared to those with longer teaching experience. However, academic qualifications, whether bachelor's or master's/doctorate degrees, did not significantly impact the usage of these strategies. Conclusions: The study highlights the necessity of implementing targeted training programs to enhance the usage of creative writing strategies among English language teachers. Additionally, it encourages further research to better understand the motivations and effects of using these strategies on improving English language teaching.

Online-based survey on health literacy and health situation of school principals and vice principals in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate health literacy and general health status among school principals and vice principals in Pakistan, (1) to identify work-related factors associated with them, and (2) to determine their association with physical and mental health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsAn online-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 350 school principals and vice principals in Punjab province, Pakistan. The study was conducted under the COVID Global Health Literacy Network. Data related to socio-demographic characteristics, health literacy, general health status, chronic illnesses and impairment, well-being, psychosomatic complaints, and emotional exhaustion were collected. We applied bivariate analyses as well as binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsOver half of the respondents (66.6%) had sufficient levels of health literacy. A good general health status was reported by 80.3%. One of the strongest predictors of health literacy and general health status was school position (principals vs. vice principals). Additionally, those with sufficient health literacy were less likely to have frequent emotional exhaustion; while those having good general health status were less likely to report low well-being, frequent emotional exhaustion, and psychosomatic complaints. The study also found that females were less likely to have a good general health status (OR 0.45) and were more likely to have frequent emotional exhaustion (OR 1.75) as well as psychosomatic complaints (OR 1.94) than males.ConclusionsLimited health literacy in school leaders requires interventions for better decision-making on health matters, emphasizing the need for targeted training programs.

Pedagogical Skills Needs of Motor Vehicle Mechanics Work Teachers for Effective Content Delivery in Government Science and Technical Colleges in Adamawa and Taraba States

The main purpose of the study was to explore the pedagogical skills needs of motor vehicle mechanics work teachers for effective content delivery in government science and technical colleges in Adamawa and Taraba States. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses. The study was conducted in Adamawa and Taraba States using descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 123 respondents comprising 81 MVMW teachers and 42 instructors from all the 21 BEST Centres and Government Science and Technical colleges in Adamawa and Taraba States, Nigeria. There was no sampling as the entire population was used because it was manageable. A structured questionnaire tagged: Pedagogical Skills Needs of Motor Vehicle Mechanics Works Teachers Questionnaire (PSNMVMWTQ) consisting of 30 items was validated by three experts. The Instrument was trial tested in Gombe State and the Cronbach Alpha reliability method was used to test the reliability of the instrument and a 0.84 reliability coefficient was obtained. Data collected for the study was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Mean statistics was used to answer the two research questions while a t-test was used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed among others that pedagogical skills needed include stimulating critical thinking, designing effective evaluation procedures, and implementing appropriate instruction. Similarly, affective skills were deemed needed including effective communication, active listening, and conflict resolution. Importantly, there were no significant differences between instructors and MVMW teachers regarding the perceived importance of these skills. It is recommended that Given the identified pedagogical skills needs of motor vehicle mechanics work (MVMW) teachers, Ministries of Education should design and implement targeted training programs focusing on instructional goal identification, task analysis, instructional design, questioning techniques, and evaluation procedures.

Implications of Social Networks for Chinese Rural Women Tourism Entrepreneurs: An Embeddedness Approach

ABSTRACT This qualitative study explores the network embeddedness of women entrepreneurs in the rural tourism context. Through an analysis of 34 interviews with women entrepreneurs in rural China, the study reveals that participants faced limited support from industry actors. However, their relationships with socio-political actors were generally productive. The findings highlight the need for industry associations to offer targeted training programs for entrepreneurs. The study also identifies the benefits of strong ties with family, employees, and other entrepreneurs in terms of support and resources. Drawing on embeddedness theory, the study concludes that there are weaknesses in the structural embeddedness of social networks. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the network embeddedness of women entrepreneurs in rural tourism.

Examining the Impact of Social Workers on Overcoming Rehabilitation Challenges for Individuals Undergoing Community Service Sentences in Butimba Central Prison, Tanzania

Globally, there is an increasing outcry on the congestion of prisoners on their welfare and human rights. To deal with such congestion, the government of Tanzania introduced the community service, intending to reduce the number of prisoners and, ultimately, the congestion of prisoners. This study aimed to examine the Impact of Social Workers on Overcoming Rehabilitation Challenges for Individuals Undergoing Community Service Sentences in Butimba Central Prison, Tanzania," The specific objectives were to investigate the specific rehabilitation challenges faced by individuals undergoing community service sentences in Butimba Central Prison, Tanzania, and to explore how social workers address these challenges. Social cognitive theory guides the study, and the study design is qualitative. Data was collected using interviews with 20 participants, observations, and document analysis. Findings highlighted pervasive stigma, discrimination, reintegration struggles, and employment difficulties among individuals in community service sentences. Social workers' interventions included counselling, family mediation, advocacy for societal acceptance, successful reintegration, reduced recidivism rates, and a more inclusive environment not adequately addressed. Social workers' challenges, including limited resources, community resistance, and legal barriers, hindered rehabilitation programs' effectiveness. The study recommended developing targeted training programs, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and implementing evidence-based practices. The conclusion emphasised ongoing support, policy reforms, and holistic interventions in correctional settings for positive outcomes during the transition to community life

Student interactions with ethical issues in the lab: results from a qualitative study

Student researchers encounter ethical issues daily, but little is known about their unique perspectives. This article presents the results of 30 qualitative semi-structured interviews exploring students’ views and experiences around ethical issues in research groups. During the interviews, students were asked to describe challenges and successes they have encountered in their lab, their conception of what counts as an “ethical issue in research,” and how they handle these issues when they arise. Against this background, the article discusses students’ conceptions of ethical issues in research environments, the types of issues students reported facing, how these issues were ultimately resolved, and finally, the factors, internal qualities, and lessons learned that help students thrive in research environments, as well as some of the challenges students face – especially international students. Many of the ethical challenges interviewees discussed focused on interpersonal issues, highlighting the intense collaboration most graduate students have with their colleagues and supervisors. Findings from this study point to the need for targeted training programs for students and faculty supervisors focusing on building mentoring relationships and finding space in the lab where open communication can occur around ethical research practices.

Electromyographic analysis of the traditional and spin throwing techniques for goalball games related to ball velocity for selected upper extremity muscles

BackgroundGoalball is a popular sport among visually impaired individuals, offering many physical and social benefits. Evaluating performance in Goalball, particularly understanding factors influencing ball velocity during throwing techniques, is essential for optimizing training programs and enhancing player performance. However, there is limited research on muscle activation patterns during Goalball throwing movements, needing further investigation to address this gap. Therefore, this study aims to examine muscle activity in sub-elite visually impaired Goalball players during different throwing techniques and visual conditions, focusing on its relationship with ball velocity.Methods15 sub-elite Goalball players (2 female, 13 males; mean age of 20.46 ± 2.23 years) participated in the study. Muscle activity was evaluated with the Myo armband, while ball velocity was measured using two cameras and analyzed with MATLAB software. Different visual conditions were simulated using an eye band, and the effects of these conditions on muscle activation and ball velocity were examined.ResultsThe flexor muscles were found to be more active during the spin throw techniques with the eyes open (p = 0.011). The extensor muscles were found to be more active in the eyes-closed spin throw techniques compared to the eyes-open position (p = 0.031). Ball velocity was found related to the flexor muscles. Interestingly, no significant differences in ball velocity were observed between different throwing techniques or visual conditions (p > 0.05).ConclusionsBall velocity, one of the performance indicators of the athlete, is primarily related to upper extremity flexor muscle strength rather than visual acuity. It has less visual acuity, but an athlete with more upper-extremity flexor muscle strength will have an advantage in Goalball game. The spin throw technique, which is reported to provide a biomechanical advantage for professional players in the literature, did not provide an advantage in terms of ball velocity for the sub elite players evaluated in our study. This knowledge can inform the development of targeted training programs aimed at improving technique and enhancing ball velocity in Goalball players.

Teachers' Perspectives on Public School Principals' Instructional Leadership Practices: An Assessment Using the Hallinger Scale

Teachers' Perspectives on Public School Principals' Instructional Leadership Practices: An Assessment Using the Hallinger Scale

The impact of automation on maritime workforce management: A conceptual framework

This study presents a systematic literature review and content analysis focused on the impact of automation on maritime workforce management. The main objective was to explore how the integration of automation technologies is reshaping the skills requirements, employment patterns, and operational dynamics within the maritime industry. Utilizing a comprehensive search strategy across multiple academic databases and employing stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study identified and analyzed relevant peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and industry reports published in English. The methodology involved a detailed examination of the selected literature, categorizing findings according to the effects of automation on workforce dynamics, skill requirements, and the socio-economic implications for maritime professionals. Key findings highlight a significant shift in the industry towards higher demand for technical proficiency and digital literacy among the workforce, coupled with a potential decrease in traditional manual roles. The analysis also revealed a dual impact of automation, offering opportunities for enhanced operational efficiency and safety, while also posing challenges related to workforce displacement and the need for extensive re-skilling. Conclusively, the study underscores the necessity for strategic interventions by industry stakeholders, including targeted training programs and policy frameworks, to facilitate a smooth transition towards an automated maritime future. Future research directions emphasize the importance of longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impacts of automation on the maritime workforce, ensuring the sustainable integration of technological advancements while safeguarding worker welfare and industry growth. Keywords: Maritime Automation, Workforce Management, Skills Development, Technological Advancement

Nationwide study of fathers’ involvement in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates

PurposeParental involvement is fundamental to the successful inclusion of children with disabilities in social, academic and communities' services. However, very little is known about UAE fathers' involvement in the support, care, and treatment. and facilitation of engagement in the social, academic, and recreational activities of children with disabilities. Importantly, the role of fathers in facilitating children's participations in social services within the community is unknown. The aim of the current study was to learn father's involvement in the life of children with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and methodsA total of 1027 parents (fathers = 469, and mothers = 558) completed the revised Fathers’ Involvement in Development and Rehabilitation Scale, with three sub-scales (support, attitudes, and participation in training). The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 29 was used to calculate means, t-tests, and moderation analyses. ResultsThe mean scores showed high involvement of fathers; fathers rated themselves highly on attitudes and support towards their children with disabilities compared to mothers. Also, parental type (fathers vs mothers) significantly moderated the relationship between the support needs of children and paternal support to children with disabilities. ConclusionThe study concludes with suggestions for targeted training programmes to enable fathers to better support the development of their children with disabilities.

Fundamentals of the development of innovation and investment activities of small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan

The article starts by highlighting the significance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Kazakhstan economy, emphasizing their role as drivers of innovation, job creation, and overall economic development. It discusses the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing finance, technology, and markets, which often hinder their ability to innovate and invest effectively. Moreover, the article delves into the regulatory and institutional frameworks governing SMEs in Kazakhstan, examining the policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a conductive environment for innovation and investment. It explores government support programs, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms designed to stimulate SME growth and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the paper explores the importance of fostering collaboration and partnerships between SMEs, larger enterprises, research institutions, and government agencies to promote innovation and investment. It discusses the role of industry clusters, innovation hubs, and incubators in facilitating knowledge exchange, networking, and access to resources for SMEs. The article also examines the role of education and skills development in enhancing the innovative capacity of SMEs in Kazakhstan. It highlights the need for targeted training programs, capacity–building initiatives, and entrepreneurship education to equip SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to innovate and compete in a globalized economy. Additionally, the article explores the potential of digitalization and technology adoption in driving innovation and investment among Kazakhstan SMEs. It discusses the opportunities presented by digital platforms, e–commerce, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in enhancing SME productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Comprehensive Assessment of Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Practices in Ishaka-Bushenyi Municipality: Implications for Public Health and Environmental Sustainability

Proper management of pharmaceutical waste is crucial for safeguarding public health and the environment. This study aimed to comprehensively assess pharmaceutical waste management practices in hospitals, pharmacies, and households within Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Uganda. The study employed a qualitative case study design, gathering data through observations, interviews, and questionnaires administered to five pharmacies, two hospitals, and 100 households. The results revealed that the mean amount of pharmaceutical waste generated by pharmacies and hospitals in Ishaka was 40.5 kg ± 32.39 kg per month, of which 26.83 kg ± 29.10 kg were disposed of safely. However, 60% of the waste was categorized as hazardous. The study found that while most facilities used labeled or color-coded containers for waste segregation, the practice of segregation was inconsistent, with 71.43% of the facilities not segregating their waste. Incineration (42.86%) and dilution followed by flushing in protected soak pits (42.86%) were the primary disposal methods employed by the facilities. Concerningly, only 4% of households returned unused or expired medications to pharmacies, with the majority disposing of them in dustbins (46%) or flushing them down toilets (41%). The findings also highlighted gaps in awareness and training, with 50% of pharmacy staff not receiving any training on proper pharmaceutical waste disposal, and only 14.29% of the facilities having established waste management guidelines. These deficiencies in knowledge and practices contribute to the suboptimal management of pharmaceutical waste, posing significant risks to public health and the environment. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive policies, targeted training programs, and community-based initiatives to enhance pharmaceutical waste management practices in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and similar settings. Addressing these challenges is crucial for mitigating the adverse impacts of improper pharmaceutical waste disposal and promoting sustainable healthcare waste management. Keywords: Pharmaceutical waste, Waste management, Disposal practices, Awareness, Hazardous waste.