Introduction
Healthcare waste management is a critical pillar of public health. In Adama City, located in the Southern Central region of Ethiopia, health facilities generate diverse waste streams—from infectious materials to sharps and pharmaceutical residues. If not properly managed, these wastes pose risks to patients, health workers, nearby communities, and the environment. The 2024 cross-sectional study on healthcare waste management practices among health workers at public health centers sheds light on current behaviors, contributing factors, and opportunities for improvement.
Why waste management practice matters
Proper waste handling protects frontline staff and patients, reduces the spread of infections, and minimizes environmental contamination. Safe practices also lower occupational hazards, such as needlestick injuries and exposure to hazardous chemicals. In resource-limited settings like Adama City, practical, cost-effective strategies are essential to sustain compliance and reduce health system risks.
Study overview
The 2024 study employed a cross-sectional design to assess healthcare waste management practices among health workers at public health centers in Adama City. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires, observations, and interviews with a range of professionals, including nurses, clinicians, laboratory personnel, and waste handlers. The aim was to quantify compliance with established guidelines and identify factors associated with safe or unsafe practices.
Key findings: practices and prevalence
Across centers, researchers observed a mix of compliance levels. Some health workers demonstrated strong adherence to color-coding for waste segregation, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe sharps disposal. Others reported gaps, such as inconsistent waste segregation at the point of generation, irregular waste collection schedules, and inadequate disposal practices for hazardous materials. The study highlights that even when policies exist, practical constraints—like supply shortages and limited training—can hinder consistent implementation.
Associated factors shaping practice
The study identified several factors linked to safer waste management. Personal motivation and knowledge about infection control emerged as key correlates of good practice. Access to training sessions, regular supervisory feedback, and clearly available waste management protocols also correlated with higher compliance. Resource availability—such as color-coded bags, puncture-resistant sharps containers, and reliable waste transport within facilities—significantly influenced outcomes. In contrast, high patient load, staff turnover, and limited time for waste handling were associated with lapses in safety practices.
Implications for policy and practice
The findings suggest that improving healthcare waste management in Adama City requires a two-pronged approach: enhance knowledge and behavior through ongoing training, and strengthen the supply chain for essential waste management materials. Policy makers and health facility leaders should consider implementing routine refresher courses on infection prevention and hazard communication, along with regular audits to identify gaps. Establishing clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) for waste segregation, collection, storage, and final disposal can standardize practices across centers.
Recommendations for health facilities
Key recommendations include:
– Ensure reliable availability of PPE, color-coded waste bags, and puncture-resistant sharps containers.
– Implement periodic training focused on practical waste segregation and handling at the point of generation.
– Create simple, user-friendly SOPs for each waste stream and display them prominently in clinical areas.
– Establish routine supervisory checks and feedback mechanisms to reinforce safe practices.
– Improve waste transport and disposal logistics, including collaboration with municipal waste services where applicable.
– Foster a culture of safety by recognizing facilities and staff who demonstrate exemplary waste management practices.
Conclusion
The 2024 cross-sectional study underscores that safe healthcare waste management in Adama City is achievable with targeted training, dependable supply chains, and strong supervision. By addressing the identified factors—training, supervision, and resource availability—public health centers can enhance protection for workers and patients while mitigating environmental risks. Sustained investment in waste management is a practical, impactful component of Ethiopia’s broader health system resilience.
