Determinants of Medical waste Management Practices in Selected Private Clinics:

Abstract

It has been recognized world over that Health Care Waste (HCW) if not properly managed is a potential of disease transmission and puts health care workers, patients and the general public at a risk. This study investigated the determinants of medical waste management practices among, private health workers in Kawempe division Kampala, Uganda. The specific objectives were factors determining waste management practices, the knowledge and attitude of health workers on medical waste management, and practices of health workers on waste management in Kawempe Division Kampala. The study employed a cross sectional quantitative and qualitative study design, and this was done through observation, interviews, studying the available policies, guidelines and legislature. Data on factors determining medical waste management practices, the knowledge and attitude and practices of health workers on waste management was analyzed using SPSS Version 16.0. The study identified the causes of poor waste management as high charges charged by collection companies, Poor supervision on medical waste management practices by the authority, poor attitude of health workers on medical waste management, and lack of knowledge by health workers on medical waste management. There is need for collection companies to reduce on the fee charged from private clinics for medical waste collection and disposal, conduction training on medical waste management to increase awareness and change health workers attitude towards medical waste management KCCA should come up with guideline on medical waste management, increase supervision to ensure proper medical waste management in the Division.