Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background: The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of
health workers regarding medical waste management at kitgum general hospital, Kitgum
district. Methodology:The study adopted a cross-sectional study design with a simple
random technique as a sampling technique. Data were collected from 50 respondents using
semi structured questionnaires written in English language as a data collection tool; later
analysed manually using scientific calculator, corded and entered into a computer, and
presented in tables and figure form for easy presentation. Results: All the study participants
had ever heard about medical waste management (60%) were aware of medical waste
management rules and regulations followed in Uganda, (70%) knew 48 hour as maximum
storage period for medical waste, and (90%) knew waste segregation, collection, storage and
transportation, treatment and disposal as the steps involved in the management of waste,
(50%) knew yellow colour code for infectious and(70%) knew gloves as the personal
protective equipment used during medical waste management, (94%) of respondents agreed
that it is necessary to follow waste management rules and regulations at all times, and (52%)
we’re willing to report safety violations done by their fellow workmates, and (90%) of
respondents were fully vaccinated for common pathogens. Conclusion: Satisfactory
knowledge was associated with favourable attitudes of health workers regarding medical
waste management. Recommendation: Kitgum general hospital administration should
allocate the responsibilities to focal persons to properly monitor the health care waste
management based on guidelines since the study discovered that some health workers were
not following the colour codes