AN ASSESSMENT INTO THE ROLE OF HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF  HEALTHCARE WASTE IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

Effective management of healthcare waste is a crucial concern for public health, especially in low- and middle-income nations experiencing significant growth in healthcare services. Healthcare waste refers to a wide variety of materials that are produced during the process of diagnosing, treating, or immunising humans or animals. These categories include general garbage, hazardous waste, infectious waste, and sharps, all of which present specific dangers to human health and the environment (Akinola et al., 2023). Effective management of healthcare waste is crucial in order to minimise the transmission of diseases, ensure the preservation of environmental integrity, and maintain the well-being of waste handlers and the community. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), healthcare institutions produce over 15% of their waste as hazardous, including infectious and poisonous substances (WHO, 2021). The healthcare industry in Nigeria is facing significant challenges as a result of a rapidly rising population and an increased burden of illness, resulting in a rise in the creation of healthcare waste (Zubair et al., 2022). In a research done by Onwughalu et al. (2023), it was shown that several healthcare institutions in Nigeria lack the necessary resources and capabilities to effectively manage the quantity and intricacy of the waste they generate. Inadequate implementation of waste management protocols may result in significant health consequences, including the spread of contagious illnesses, harm caused by sharp objects, and the risk of being exposed to dangerous chemicals. The management of healthcare waste is also hindered by deficient infrastructure, low financing, and restricted enforcement of legislation (Eze et al., 2023). A considerable proportion of healthcare waste is improperly combined with general garbage due to the insufficient training and resources available to healthcare practitioners for implementing appropriate waste segregation and disposal techniques (Adebayo et al., 2023). Ogunbiyi et al. (2023) found that fewer than 40% of healthcare personnel in Nigeria had received formal training in waste management. This lack of training greatly impairs their capacity to handle trash in a safe and efficient manner. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in ensuring effective waste management in healthcare facilities. Their responsibility is the segregation, management, and disposal of trash in accordance with established norms. Nevertheless, research has shown that healthcare personnel often encounter several obstacles while carrying out these duties, such as poor understanding of waste management protocols, inadequate backing from leadership, and a dearth of responsibility (Akinola et al., 2023; Onwughalu et al., 2023). The difficulties encountered by healthcare professionals might result in systemic problems within the healthcare waste management system, which contribute to a situation where incorrect disposal practices continue to exist. The significance of appropriate healthcare waste management is emphasised by the possible repercussions of disregarding this matter. Improper waste disposal techniques may result in environmental pollution, impacting the quality of soil, water, and air. This, in turn, can have significant implications for the health of the community (Zubair et al., 2022). In addition, improper handling of healthcare waste may worsen current public health issues, especially in areas that already have high prevalence of infectious illnesses. Therefore, the researcher sought to assess  the role of healthcare providers in the proper disposal of  healthcare waste in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Proper management of healthcare waste is crucial for maintaining public health, ensuring environmental safety, and controlling the spread of infections. Improper disposal of healthcare waste may result in substantial health hazards for both healthcare personnel and the wider society. Although there are defined norms and procedures for managing healthcare waste, many healthcare institutions still struggle to effectively dispose of garbage. Zubair et al. (2022) conducted a research which revealed that more than 60% of healthcare institutions in metropolitan regions of Nigeria did not have sufficient waste segregation techniques. This deficiency increases the risk of infectious illnesses spreading. In addition, healthcare professionals often lack enough training in safe waste disposal methods, resulting in heightened contamination and environmental risks (Ogunbiyi et al., 2023). Healthcare providers play a crucial role in ensuring that waste disposal regulations are adequately adhered to. Nevertheless, the capacity of waste management to be effectively carried out is impeded by a range of reasons, including inadequate resources, limited knowledge, and inadequate enforcement of current legislation (Akinola et al., 2023). Hence, the study assess the role of healthcare providers in the proper disposal of  healthcare waste in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the role of healthcare providers in the proper disposal of  healthcare waste in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

To evaluate the level of training  healthcare providers have regarding healthcare waste management in Cameroon

To assess the role of healthcare providers in the proper disposal of  healthcare waste in Cameroon.

To analyze the challenges faced by healthcare providers in implementing effective waste disposal practices in Cameroon.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What is the level of training  healthcare providers have regarding healthcare waste management in Cameroon?

What is the role of healthcare providers in the proper disposal of  healthcare waste in Cameroon?

What are the challenges faced by healthcare providers in implementing effective waste disposal practices in Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

Findings of the study will be significant to policymakers and health regulatory bodies as understanding the challenges faced by healthcare providers in waste management can lead to the formulation of more effective policies and regulations that promote compliance and enhance waste disposal practices. The study will also be significant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature and serve as a guide to future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focus on the role of healthcare providers in the proper disposal of  healthcare waste in Cameroo. Empirically, the study will evaluate the level of training  healthcare providers have regarding healthcare waste management in Cameroon, assess the role of healthcare providers in the proper disposal of  healthcare waste in Cameroon and analyze the challenges faced by healthcare providers in implementing effective waste disposal practices in Cameroon. 

Geographically, the study is delimited to Protestant Hospital of Ngaoundéré.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraints are: 

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research alongside other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.8 Definition of terms

Healthcare Waste: Refers to any waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals in healthcare facilities. It includes various types of waste, such as infectious, hazardous, and general waste.

Infectious Waste: A category of healthcare waste that contains pathogens or microorganisms capable of causing disease in humans or animals. This type of waste includes items like contaminated sharps, blood-soaked materials, and infectious laboratory cultures.

Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses a significant risk to human health or the environment due to its chemical, physical, or biological properties. This can include toxic substances, chemical waste, and materials that are flammable or reactive.

General Waste: Non-hazardous waste that does not pose a threat to human health or the environment. This includes everyday items such as packaging materials, paper, and food waste generated in healthcare facilities.

Waste Segregation: The process of separating different types of waste at the point of generation to ensure proper disposal and minimize health risks. Effective segregation is crucial for managing healthcare waste safely.

Waste Management Protocols: Established guidelines and procedures for the proper handling, treatment, and disposal of healthcare waste. These protocols are designed to protect public health and the environment.

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