"Assessment of Infectious Healthcare Waste Disposal Practices Across Different Wards of Public and Private Hospitals: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study"

Abstract

Background: Infectious waste was recognized as a significant hazard in healthcare settings due to its potential to spread diseases among staff, patients, and the public. Managing this waste properly was essential to prevent infections and maintain hospital safety standards. The study focused on understanding existing waste management practices and identifying gaps to improve health outcomes.

Objectives: This research aimed to assess infectious waste disposal practices in public and private hospitals, evaluate staff awareness and training, and recommend strategies for safer waste management.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, surveying healthcare staff across multiple wards in both public and private hospitals. Collected data was comprised of staff roles, waste segregation practices, storage and transport methods, treatment techniques, awareness of guidelines, and training frequency. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20 to evaluate practices and associated challenges across different healthcare settings among respective wards.

Results: Among 206 respondents, (66.5%) were nurses, (23.3%) doctors, (5.3%) department heads, and (4.9%) pharmacists. Color-coded segregation was reported by (90.8%), with only (72.8%) confirming proper labeling of bins. Nurses led initial segregation (43.7%), while cleaning staff accounted for (37.4%). Reported daily waste generation was (51.9%) in the 50–100 kg range, (34.5%) below 50 kg, (7.3%) between 100–200 kg, and (6.3%) above 200 kg. Storage in special rooms was noted by (80.1%). Treatment methods included chemical disinfection (83.0%), off-site incineration (80.1%), autoclaving (77.7%), and on-site incineration (58.7%). Training frequency varied, with (43.7%) receiving quarterly and (43.2%) monthly sessions. Awareness of WHO color-coded segregation guidelines was high at (93.2%), but (58.7%) reported encountering mixed waste categories as a major challenge.

Conclusion: The study concluded that while awareness of guidelines regarding hospital waste management was generally high, practical execution varied between hospital types. Nurses played a central role in segregation, storage, and disposal, but challenges such as improper labeling, inconsistent training, and mixed waste remained. These findings highlighted the need for better staff training, stricter labeling practices, improved infrastructure, and enforcement of standardized protocols to ensure safe and effective infectious waste management.