Research Article

Assessment of Human Care Waste Generation, Composition, And Management Practice in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt

Abstract

Improper collection, segregation, transportation, treatment, and disposal of HCW pose risk to public health and the environment. This study aimed to determine HCW generation rate, composition, and management practice in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital from 15th September 2024 to 22nd September 2024. The quantitative data were collected for eight consecutive days using direct measurement of HCW. The qualitative data were collected by using an observational checklist and in-depth interview, and the data obtained was transcribed. A total of 957.8 kg of HCW was generated in the study period with an average of 119.7 kg (± 12.9). The hazardous fraction of the HCW was 259.9 kg (27.1%) while the non-hazardous fraction was 697.9kg (72.9%). The generation rate of HCW was 0.328 kg bed−1day−1. General waste accounted for 659.1 kg (68.8%) of the total HCW generated in the teaching hospital, followed by infectious waste at 115.8 kg (12%). There was no segregation of HCW by type at the point of generation and there was no pre-treatment of infectious wastes. The placenta pit was used for pathological wastes and open burning was the main disposal mechanism for the remaining wastes. The finding indicated that the proportion of the hazardous waste generated from the hospital was slightly above the World Health Organization recommended threshold. There was a lack of appropriate waste segregation, storage, transport, and disposal practices in Rivers State University Teaching hospital.