Abstract:
The study uses FMC and AKTH as a case study in order to assess the
knowledge, practices and attitudes of waste handlers on biomedical waste
management. The study investigates the major problems associated with
management and handling practices and the possible solutions to tackle those
problems. Based on the findings from this study, recommendations will be proposed
to the hospitals on ways to improve the system of biomedical waste management and
handling.
A total of 12 individuals from a private company named Gaby-cord limited
were involved in the survey at FMC, sample size was chosen based on the idea of
saturation. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and direct observation were
used to gather all the data required for the study at FMC. On the other hand, semistructured
interviews, direct observation and hospital records were used to acquire
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information at Aminu Kano teaching hospital (AKTH), Kano. A total of three
individuals were involved in the survey including the head of department, data
collection was carried out at AKTH.
FMC waste handlers have limited knowledge on biomedical waste
management legislations and guidelines. Waste handlers have positive attitudes
towards biomedical waste management and are aware of common practices of
biomedical waste management. Generally biomedical waste management is poor at
FMC. On the other hand, AKTH has the potential to meet the standard biomedical
waste management system proposed by the World Health Organization. However, it
is recommended for both hospitals to aim for positive goals based on fixed standards
and set a time frame at which the goals are expected to be achieved.
