Infectious Waste Management in the Face of COVID- 19 in a Rural Health Facility in Eastern Uganda
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Date
2021
Authors
Okia, David
Iramiot, Jacob Stanley
Kagoya Kawala, Enid
Nekaka, Rebecca
Karungi, Veronica
Musoki, Drake
Oteko, Alfred
Nakisuyi, Janet
Aisu, Emmanuel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Asian Journal of Medicine and Health
Abstract
This study aimed to assess Infectious Waste Management in face of COVID-19, among
Health care workers in Rural Health Facilities in Amuria district, Eastern Uganda. Little evidence
exists of the challenges that occur while implementing Infectious waste management in the face of
COVID-19 in resource-limited settings in Eastern Uganda. Our findings will close this apparent
research gap and inform current district and national policies in Infectious Waste Management.
Materials and Methods: We conducted cross-sectional survey in five health facilities in Amuria
district, using modified CDC Infection Control Assessment Tool for health facility, and a validated
structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge of health care workers present on Infectious
waste management in the face of COVID-19. Observation and in-depth interviews were also
conducted in addition to assess the practice and attitude of staff towards infectious waste
management. Results: The five (100%) of the Health Facilities assessed in Amuria district lacked written infection
prevention policies and procedures that are current, and are based on evidence-based guidelines.
The facilities also had no competency-based training program that provides job-specific training on
infection prevention policies and procedures to health care personnel. In terms of knowledge,
Waste handlers had poor knowledge in infection control only 8.3% of the medical waste handlers
could identify biohazard symbols and knew how infectious waste is segregated into the different
categories at the point of generation. All (100%) of the health care workers were knowledgeable
about the COVID-19 standard operating procedures.
Conclusion: The doctors, nurses, clinical officers, and laboratory personnel had good knowledge
of infectious waste Management and were up to date with COVID-19 standard operating
procedures. The Medical Waste handlers had poor knowledge of Infectious Waste Management
and COVID-19 standard operating procedures. Medical Waste handlers also had a poor attitude,
towards the use of personal protective gear while on duty. All the Medical Waste handlers were
willing to be trained in Infectious Waste Management. The facilities assessed had no enabling
environment for infection control (no policies and in-service training in infection control for staff).We
recommend Medical Waste Handlers to be trained in infection control and prevention before and
after they are employed.
Description
Keywords
Infectious waste, Medical waste handlers, COVID-19, Eastern Uganda
Citation
David, O., Stanley, I. J., Enid, K. K., Rebecca, N., Veronica, K., Drake, M., ... & Emmanuel, A. (2021). Infectious Waste Management in the Face of COVID-19 in a Rural Health Facility in Eastern Uganda. Asian Journal of Medicine and Health, 19(3), 22-36. DOI: 10.9734/AJMAH/2021/v19i330310