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A STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES OF SHARP WASTE DISPOSAL AMONG NURSES WORKING IN UNIVERSITY OF PORTHARCOURT TEACHING HOSPITAL
Abstract
The proper disposal of sharp waste is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of sharp waste disposal among nurses working at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, involving a sample of 150 nurses selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed the nurses’ knowledge of sharp waste disposal methods, their attitudes toward safety protocols, and the actual practices they adhered to in handling sharp waste. The results indicated that while the majority of nurses had adequate knowledge of sharp waste disposal protocols, there were significant gaps in the consistent application of these practices. Factors such as workload, lack of proper disposal facilities, and inadequate training were identified as barriers to effective sharp waste management. The study highlights the need for continuous training, provision of appropriate disposal tools, and reinforcement of safety measures to improve compliance. This research provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by healthcare workers in maintaining safe sharp waste disposal practices, and recommends targeted interventions to enhance safety standards in hospital settings.
Chapter One:
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
The proper management of sharp waste in healthcare settings is critical for safeguarding the health of healthcare workers, patients, and the community at large. Sharp waste, which includes items such as needles, syringes, scalpels, and broken glass, poses significant health risks, including infections, injuries, and exposure to bloodborne pathogens like HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C (Geng et al., 2020). In hospitals, nurses are frequently exposed to sharp waste during their daily tasks, making them particularly vulnerable to such risks. Consequently, adherence to safe sharp waste disposal practices is essential in reducing the chances of injuries and the spread of infections.
Research has shown that a lack of knowledge and improper disposal practices among healthcare workers, including nurses, contribute to the mishandling of sharp waste (Adekunle et al., 2018). Nurses in teaching hospitals, such as the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), are expected to follow standardized protocols for handling sharp waste to ensure both personal and public safety. However, despite these guidelines, there are concerns about the effectiveness of these practices, particularly in developing countries where healthcare settings may lack adequate disposal facilities and training (Mubangizi et al., 2017).
In Nigeria, studies have revealed that inadequate disposal practices, insufficient knowledge of waste management, and poor enforcement of safety protocols remain major challenges in healthcare facilities (Olowu et al., 2020). Therefore, it is essential to assess the knowledge and practices related to sharp waste disposal among nurses in Nigerian hospitals to identify gaps and propose effective interventions.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Nurses at UPTH play a pivotal role in patient care and are often in close contact with sharp waste materials. Despite the established guidelines for the disposal of sharp waste, there is growing concern that improper disposal practices persist. This may result from inadequate knowledge, insufficient training, or poor compliance with safety protocols (Fawole et al., 2019). Injuries related to sharp waste disposal could lead to increased healthcare costs, prolonged illness, and exposure to infectious diseases (Johnson et al., 2021). The problem of unsafe sharp waste disposal is a critical issue that needs to be addressed to protect healthcare workers and the general population.
1.3 Research Objectives
The main objectives of this study are:
To assess the knowledge of sharp waste disposal practices among nurses working in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
To evaluate the actual disposal practices of nurses regarding sharp waste.
To identify the factors that influence the safe disposal of sharp waste in the hospital.
To determine the gaps in knowledge and practices related to sharp waste disposal among nurses.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will address the following research questions:
What is the level of knowledge about sharp waste disposal among nurses working at UPTH?
What are the disposal practices of nurses regarding sharp waste?
What factors influence the proper disposal of sharp waste among nurses at UPTH?
Are there any gaps between the knowledge and practices of sharp waste disposal among nurses?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant for several reasons. First, it will provide insight into the level of awareness and adherence to sharp waste disposal protocols among nurses in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Second, the findings will help to identify any gaps in knowledge and practices that may be contributing to unsafe disposal methods. Third, the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on healthcare waste management, particularly in Nigerian hospitals, where the issue of unsafe sharp waste disposal is often under-researched. Finally, the recommendations from this study may inform policy decisions and interventions aimed at improving waste management practices, enhancing safety standards, and reducing the risks associated with sharp waste in healthcare settings.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of this study is limited to the nurses working in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. The research focuses on assessing the knowledge and practices related to sharp waste disposal. It does not extend to other healthcare workers, such as doctors, laboratory technicians, or hospital administrative staff, who may also interact with sharp waste but are not the primary focus of this study. The study will also focus on nurses working in various departments of the hospital, including emergency, surgical, and maternity wards, where the handling of sharp objects is most prevalent.
1.7 Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework for this study is based on the Health Belief Model (HBM), which emphasizes the role of individual perceptions in health behavior. According to this model, individuals’ actions are influenced by their perceived susceptibility to health risks, their perceived severity of these risks, the benefits of taking preventive actions, and the perceived barriers to such actions (Janz & Becker, 1984). In the context of sharp waste disposal, the HBM suggests that nurses’ disposal practices may be influenced by their awareness of the risks associated with improper disposal, their understanding of the benefits of safe disposal practices, and any barriers they face, such as inadequate disposal facilities or lack of training.
1.8 Definition of Terms
Sharp waste: Medical waste materials that are capable of causing punctures, cuts, or abrasions, including needles, syringes, scalpels, and glass vials.
Knowledge: The awareness, understanding, and familiarity of nurses with proper sharp waste disposal protocols and safety measures.
Practices: The actual actions and behaviors of nurses regarding the safe disposal of sharp waste in the hospital setting.
Nurses: Registered and enrolled nurses working at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
1.9 Organization of the Study
This study is organized into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the background of the study, the statement of the problem, research objectives, research questions, and significance of the study. Chapter Two presents a review of the relevant literature on sharp waste disposal, its risks, and the practices of healthcare workers. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including the study design, sampling techniques, data collection instruments, and data analysis methods. Chapter Four presents the results of the study, including data analysis and interpretation. Finally, Chapter Five provides the discussion of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations for policy and practice.
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