Knowledge and practices of doctors and nurses about management of health care waste at Johannesburg Hospital in the Gauteng Province, South Africa

Date
2008-08-29T12:33:32Z
Authors
Ramokate, Tuduetso
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
ABSTRACT Introduction: The Gauteng Province in South Africa is home to four large hospitals which generate enormous amounts of waste. However, no formal study has been done to asses the magnitude of this problem. Health care waste falls under a cluster of waste which is regarded as hazardous due to its composition and therefore ability to transmit disease. It has become an important type of waste mainly because of its ability to transmit HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C among other infectious diseases. This study attempted to address the knowledge and practices of doctors and nurses, which are just some of the factors which influence health care waste management. Aims: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the current knowledge and practices of doctors and nurses regarding the management of health care waste. Methods: This was a descriptive cross sectional study. A self administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. A total sample of 128 doctors and nurses was drawn from the Johannesburg Hospital, an academic hospital in the Gauteng Province. Results: Although there was overall lack of awareness about the existence of the international, national, provincial and local documents (Act, Regulation, Manual, Code of Practice and Policies) regulating heath care waste management, the majority of the respondents (84%) knew about the existence of the Johannesburg Hospital’s policy on waste management. Generally, knowledge of nursing staff was significantly higher than that of doctors. Although some good practices such as use of gloves were reported, there is generally a lack of knowledge about key documents regulating health care waste, particularly among the doctors. Conclusion: This study was the first of its kind to be done at the Hospital. As the Hospital policy is more accepted and accessible to the health professionals than the other documents investigated in this study, it should be updated regularly to incorporate new changes. The Hospital should not only make that policy document more easily accessible and visible but also strive to reach doctors with training in health care waste management. Continuous monitoring and evaluation is also necessary to ensure that policies and procedures are followed.
Description
Keywords
health care waste management, Johannesburg Hospital
Citation
Collections