Effectiveness of intensive healthcare waste management training model among health professionals at teaching hospitals of Pakistan: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

BackgroundInfectious waste management has always remained a neglected public health problem in the developing countries, resulting in high burden of environmental pollution affecting general masses. Health workers are the key personnel who are responsible for the management of infectious waste at any hospital, however, their proper training and education is must for an optimal performance. This interventional study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Intensive healthcare waste management (IHWM) training model at two tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi city, Pakistan.MethodsThis study was quasi-experimental pre and post design with control and intervention groups. Out of 275 health care workers enrolled for the study, 138 workers were assigned for intervention group for 3 months trainings, hands-on practicum and reminders on infectious waste management; whereas 137 workers were assigned to the control hospital where routine activities on infectious health care waste management were performed. Pre and post intervention assessment was done for knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP); and was statistically analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis, independent, paired and unpaired t-test, chi-square with p values, and mean of the responses were calculated. Overall the response rate was 92% at the end of intervention.ResultsDuring the baseline survey, 275 healthcare workers (HCW) included doctors, nurses, paramedics and sanitary workers, and after 3 months of intervention, 255 were reached out to complete the questionnaire. With regard to KAP at baseline, there were no significant differences between two groups at baseline, except for gender and department. However, in the post intervention survey, statistically significance difference (<0.05) between intervention and control group’s knowledge, attitude and practices was found. Moreover, within the control group no statistically significant difference was reported (>0.05) after 3 months.ConclusionsStudy results suggest that IHWM training could be an effective intervention for improving knowledge, attitudes and practices among health workers regarding infectious waste management. Such training should become a regular feature of all hospitals for reducing the hazards attached with infectious wastes.

Medical waste management and disposal practices of health facilities in Kumbo East and Kumbo West health districts

“…This low percentage could be due to limited budgetary allocation which does not permit organization of such events. A recent study by Kumar et al (2015) suggested an intensive healthcare waste management training as an effective intervention for improving knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers regarding healthcare waste management. Other studies (Kumar et al, 2016;Abah, 2011) have also indicated regular training of health care workers on waste management to have a great role on their practices on waste management.…”

“…With the growing concern on medical waste management, some developing countries have recently implemented interventions that have improved their waste management practices (Kumar et al, 2015;Tabash et al, 2016;Awodele et al, 2016). Although, there is very limited information on health care waste management in Cameroon, few studies conducted report medical waste management as a challenge in both primary and tertiary care facilities (Doumtsop, 2014).…”

Healthcare waste management in Asian developing countries: A mini review

“…Here, it is important to note that in Table 4, we selectively presented the results in the measuring unit of kg bed -1 day -1 , while other measuring units were not considered. Multiple studies have also used many other measuring units such as kg patient -1 day -1 (Alves et al, 2014;Gören and Ozdemir, 2011;Mugambe et al, 2012;Nemathaga et al, 2008;Sawalem et al, 2009), kg day -1 (Idowu et al, 2013;Manga et al, 2011; Moreira and Günther, Gai et al, 2009Gai et al, , 2010Yong et al, 2009;Zhang et al, 2013 2 India Athavale and Dhumale, 2010;Babu et al, 2009;De and Debnath, 2016;Gupta and Boojh, 2006;Hanumantha Rao, 2009;Mohankumar and Kottaiveeran, 2011;Nema et al, 2011;Onursal, 2003;Patil and Pokhrel, 2005;Rao, 2009;Verma et al, 2008 3 Pakistan Ali et al, 2015Ali et al, , 2016Jaffer, 2013;Kemu, 2011Kemu, , 2014Khattak, 2009;Kumar et al, 2010;Kumar et al, 2015a;Kumar et al, 2016;Kumar et al, 2015b;Qaiser, 2012;Sabiha-Javied et al, 2008;Shahida Rasheed SI, 2005;Sobia et al, 2014 4 Bangladesh Alam et al, 2008;Hassan et al, 2008;…”

Correlates Of Knowledge, Attitude And Practices About Health Care Waste Management Among Hospital Workers Of Pakistan

“…Hospital waste is known as second most dangerous waste in the world that should be managed properly by well skilled staff. Hospital waste is produced during the patient care, in clinics, maternity homes and research institutes 2 . Currently, there has been renewed focus by the patients, communities and providers about the management of healthcare waste all over the world 3 .…”