Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Health Care Workers On Waste Segregation At Two Public Training Hospitals, In Khomas Region, Namibia

ABSTRACT

Knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers have a greater impact on proper waste segregation globally. Therefore, in this paper it was essential to explore the knowledge, attitude and practice of HCWs on waste segregation in Namibia. The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge, practice and attitude of health care workers on waste segregation at Windhoek Central Hospital (WCH) and Intermediate Hospital Katutura (IHK), Khomas region and to propose interventions for improving waste segregation. The objectives of the study were to examine health care workers’ knowledge on waste segregation in public training hospitals, Khomas region, to explore and describe health care workers’ attitude towards correct waste segregation and to assess health care workers’ practice on compliance with the waste segregation.

Participants of the study were doctors including interns, nurses, ward assistants and cleaners. Their knowledge and attitudes were assessed. Sample for each professional category of participants were as follow: Doctors n=20, nurses n=53, ward assistants n=7 and cleaners n=20. In total they were n=100. Furthermore, the wards were assessed by use of checklist and this underpinned how HCWs practiced waste segregation. Samples in this case were 7 wards out of 14.

A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study was employed that included the use of a checklist and self-administered questionnaires. Probability stratified random sampling method was used in this study to ensure proportional representation of HCWs categories. Simple random sampling was used in selecting the wards to be assessed. The Epi-info software version 3.5.1 was used to analyse quantitative data for both objectives. Data analysis involved checking and editing the collected data, cleaning and analysing them. Frequency distribution tables, descriptive statistics like measure of central tendency and measures of variability were employed.

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The research findings were reported according to the main aspects of the study. Research findings indicated that respondents were health care workers aged between 23 and 64 years old from two public training g hospitals, Khomas region. The mean ages of all respondents were 37.4 (SD 13.0) years, Median 36.5 and Mode 28. 89 (89.9%) of health care workers reported that health care wastes were hazardous, while only 8(8%) health care workers who did not know. The results indicated that 17(85.0%) doctors, 39(73. 6%) nurses, 7(100.0%) ward assistants and 16 (80.0%) cleaners knew where to put papers and papers plates. 11(55. 0%) doctors, 47(88.7%) nurses, 6(85.7%) ward assistants and 13(65.0%) cleaners knew where to put soiled linens. Meanwhile, 19(95.0%) doctors, 51(96.2%) nurses, 6(85.7%) ward assistants and 20(100.0%) cleaners knew where to put infectious and biohazardous wastes. The study further revealed that 4(20.0%) doctors, 41(77.4%) nurses, 5(71.4%) ward assistants and 15(75.0%) cleaners knew where to put left over food. Incorrect disposal was observed in 2 (28. 6%) wards, while such observation was not seen in 5 (71. 4%) wards.

However, the study also has some limitations as follow; some HCWs who were initially selected randomly happened to fall sick in the assessment day; hence they could not meet the inclusion criteria. The researcher experienced difficulties with some doctors, as they had to postpone the assessment dates due to their busy schedules. It was concluded that training of personnel was not adequate and did not cater for all different level of health care workers.

The study recommended that training for all health care workers categories on waste segregation should be done on the regular basis. The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) to employ Environmental Health Practitioners to be in charge of overall waste management in the hospitals. Furthermore, adequate monitoring and evaluation of waste segregation processes in the two training hospitals should be ensured.

Keywords: Knowledge, attitude, practice, health care workers, waste segregation, training hospitals