Factors contributing to poor waste segregation in maternity ward at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi district
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Date
2017-10
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Publisher
Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences
Abstract
This study aimed at assessing factors contributing to poor waste segregation in maternity ward at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital (KIUTH) in Bushenyi District; it specifically assessed the healthcare waste management practices employed by health workers in KIUTH and the knowledge of health workers towards proper waste management in KIUTH. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used where by 33 participants selected using purposive were sampling method. Results from the majority of the participants showed that the maternity ward of KIUTH did not have Health Care Waste Management (HCWM) committee, policy, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protective gears and proper color coding system for waste segregation, collection, transportation and storage, as well as the specific well-trained waste handlers. Generally, the study found out that majority of the participants had very low level of awareness of existence of regulating procedures and knowledge on how waste was managed at Kampala International University Teaching Hospital. The researcher therefore concludes that continuous training of hospital staff is an important way of ensuring that knowledge is enhanced among environmental health practitioners, nurses, and doctors in particular, about the management of healthcare waste. There should be proper segregation of waste with clear color codes as specified in Infection Control Policies and Procedures showing RED for highly infectious waste, YELLOW for infectious waste and BLACK for noninfectious waste should be used for proper waste management. The government and administrative committee should look into the provision of protective gears to all healthcare workers to reduce potential health risks that could arise as a result of poor waste management
Description
A research report submitted to the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Examinations Board in partial fulfillment for the requirements for the award of a Diploma in Nursing of Kampala International University
Keywords
Waste segregation, Maternity ward, Kampala International University Teaching Hospital, Bushenyi district