Hospital waste management and risk factors on health personnel in the health structures of Mwene- Ditu, DR Congo

Abstract

Context: hospital waste is a reservoir of micro- potentially dangerous organizations likely to infect hospitalized patients, providers, surface agents and the general public.

Objective: this study aimed to assess the hospital waste management system in the health structures of Mwene-Ditu and the health risks of providers and surface staff.

Methods: It was an analytical study conducted from 01 to 30 July 2023. The study population consisted of care providers, as well as surface staff of the health structures of Mwene-Ditu. We used a simple probabilistic sampling. The minimum size of the sample was calculated using EPI Info, version 7.2.6.0 (n = 271 households, with an error margin of 0.05%). A logistic regression model was built by the step -by -step selection method with an input probability of 0.05 and 95%CI.

Results: Hospital waste management practices were Deemed safe in 62.4 % of respondents. About 68 % declared to use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Two risk factors were significantly associated with poor waste management: the absence of PPE (or = 5.64; CI95%: [2,29–13.89]; p <0.001) and the lack of training in hospital waste management (or = 8.25; CI95%: [2.69–25.29]; p <0.001). These results highlight the importance of capacity building and supply to equipment to improve health security.

Conclusion: The Hospital Waste Management System in Mwene-Ditu has globally safe practices, but remains faced with major challenges, including the lack of personal protective equipment and the insufficient training of involved personnel.