AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECT AND MANAGEMENT  OF  THE IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF HEALTHCARE WASTE IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

The management of healthcare waste has emerged as a pressing concern in healthcare systems around the globe. Healthcare facilities produce a substantial amount of waste, a large portion of which might be categorised as hazardous because it has the potential to cause damage to human health and the environment. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that healthcare institutions generate around 85% of non-hazardous waste while the remaining 15% consists of hazardous waste, such as infectious, chemical, and radioactive pollutants (WHO, 2020). Inadequate handling of medical waste leads to significant environmental issues, including air, water, and land contamination. Pollutants may be categorised into three main types: biological, chemical, and radioactive. Environmental issues may occur both from the production of medical waste and from the procedures involved in its management, treatment, and disposal. This research examines the consequences of inadequate management of medical waste and proposes appropriate methods to protect healthcare workers (Joseph, Paul, Premkumar & Paul, 2015). Hospital waste mismanagement refers to the poor handling of garbage at many stages, including creation, collection, storage, transport, and treatment. Improper handling encompasses various hazardous actions, including handling without personal protective equipment (PPE), inadequate storage (such as exposing to high temperatures for extended periods before treatment), manually transporting over long distances, and using uncovered containers instead of sealed plastic bags. Additional instances comprise of exposure durations above permitted thresholds, absence of worker and equipment cleaning protocols, and so forth (Maina, Andrew & Caroline, 2016). These factors together impact healthcare personnel in several manners. The health consequences of inadequate disposal of healthcare waste are well established. Exposure to poorly managed biomedical waste may result in infections, which can cause higher rates of illness and death, especially among vulnerable groups including children and persons with weakened immune systems (Jha et al., 2021). Moreover, the improper handling of pharmaceutical waste might exacerbate drug resistance and environmental contamination, posing enduring difficulties for public health systems (He et al., 2019). The economic impact of incorrect waste disposal is substantial, as it leads to higher healthcare expenses due to the treatment of waste-related diseases and the need for environmental cleanup. Therefore, the researcher sought to investigate the effect and management  of  the improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The improper disposal of healthcare waste presents substantial environmental and public health hazards on a worldwide scale. Insufficient management methods in several healthcare institutions result in the haphazard disposal of biological waste, such as infectious substances, medications, and sharp items. This reckless disposal may pollute land, water sources, and the air (WHO, 2020). This disregard not only endangers the well-being of healthcare professionals and patients but also weakens endeavours towards sustainable development and environmental responsibility (Akkajit, Romin & Assawadithalerd, 2020). Although there are rules and laws in place, the successful adoption and enforcement of appropriate waste disposal methods continue to be difficult in healthcare settings, especially in places with little resources. Hence, the study investigates the effect and management  of  the improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the effect and management  of  the improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon. The specific objectives is as follows

To evaluate factors responsible for the improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon.

To assess the effect of improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon

To identify how improper disposal of healthcare waste can be managed in Cameroon

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

What are the factors responsible for the improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon?

What is the effect of improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon?

How can the  improper disposal of healthcare waste can be managed in Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

Findings of the study will be significant the ministry of health as the improper disposal of healthcare waste can lead to the spread of infections and diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations, including the health risks associated with inadequate waste management, this study aims to contribute to the development of strategies that protect public health and reduce the incidence of waste-related illnesses. 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 effect and management  of the improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will  evaluate factors responsible for the improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon, assess the effect of improper disposal of healthcare waste in Cameroon and identify how improper disposal of healthcare waste can be managed in Cameroon.

Geographically the study is delimited to Limbe Provincial Hospital.

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: Waste generated from healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, including infectious materials, pharmaceuticals, sharps, and other medical products that may pose risks to health and the environment 

Improper Disposal: The incorrect handling, treatment, or disposal of waste materials that fails to comply with established regulations or guidelines, leading to potential environmental contamination and health hazards (Smith et al., 2018).

Biomedical Waste: A subset of healthcare waste that includes waste potentially contaminated with infectious agents or hazardous chemicals, such as blood, tissue samples, and contaminated packaging 

Infectious Waste: Waste that contains pathogens or microorganisms capable of causing disease, including contaminated gloves, dressings, and used syringes.

Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired, unused, or contaminated medications and their containers that require special handling to prevent environmental contamination and health risks.

Sharps: Medical devices with edges or points that can puncture or cut, such as needles, scalpel blades, and broken glass, posing risks of injury and infection if not disposed of properly.

Waste Management Practices: Procedures and strategies implemented to handle, treat, and dispose of waste materials in a manner that minimizes their impact on health and the environment, including segregation, collection, treatment, and disposal