Introduction
Healthcare waste management is a critical topic for public health and environmental stewardship. In many low- and middle-income settings, including Ethiopia, proper handling of infectious and hazardous waste from health facilities safeguards patients, workers, and communities. This article summarizes a 2024 cross-sectional study conducted among health workers at public health centers in Adama City, Southern Central Ethiopia, and highlights what shapes safe waste management practices.
Background and Rationale
Healthcare waste poses risks such as needle-stick injuries, infections, chemical hazards, and environmental contamination if not managed correctly. The study in Adama City investigates everyday practices, compliance with national guidelines, and gaps that may elevate risk. Understanding these factors helps policymakers and facility managers design targeted interventions to improve safety, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.
Methods at a Glance
The study employed a cross-sectional design, surveying health workers across multiple public health centers in Adama City during 2024. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and observational checklists to assess knowledge, attitudes, practices, and the availability of waste management resources. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained, ensuring participants’ confidentiality and voluntary participation.
Key Findings
Overall, the study revealed a mixed landscape of practices. While many health workers demonstrated awareness of basic waste categories and the importance of segregation, actual adherence to segregation, color-coding, and timely waste disposal varied by facility and role. Notable findings include:
- High awareness of waste categories but inconsistent implementation of separation at the point of generation.
- Variations in use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols during waste handling.
- Shortages of essential waste disposal supplies and limited access to safe sharps containers in some centers.
- Gaps in training frequency and ongoing supervision that affect daily compliance.
Associated Factors Shaping Practices
Several factors were associated with better or worse waste management behavior among health workers:
- <strongKnowledge and Training: Regular, hands-on training correlated with higher compliance in segregation and disposal steps.
- Resource Availability: Facilities with consistent access to color-coded bins, appropriate containers, and proper storage areas showed more consistent practice.
- Supervision and Institutional Policies: Clear internal guidelines and routine supervision boosted adherence to protocols.
- Workload and Staffing: High patient volumes and staff shortages were linked to shortcuts or delays in waste handling.
Implications for Public Health
The findings underscore that knowledge alone does not guarantee safe waste management. Environmental health is a systems issue: equipment, training, governance, and workload interact to determine daily practices. In Adama City, improving waste management could reduce occupational risks for health workers, lower the potential for community exposure, and minimize environmental contamination.
Recommendations
To advance safe healthcare waste management in public health centers, the following actions are recommended:
- Strengthen routine training with practical demonstrations on segregation, labeling, and disposal.
- Ensure a reliable supply chain for waste bins, sharps containers, and appropriate storage facilities.
- Establish clear, accessible waste management policies and a supervisory mechanism to monitor adherence.
- Address staffing gaps and manage workloads to prevent rushed or unsafe waste handling.
- Implement regular audits and feedback loops to sustain improvements and accountability.
Conclusion
The 2024 cross-sectional study in Adama City highlights important gaps and actionable factors affecting healthcare waste management among health workers. By pairing targeted training with robust resource provision and governance, public health centers can advance safer, more sustainable waste practices—protecting health workers, patients, and the surrounding environment.
