Biomedical Waste Management at Omdurman Military Hospital in Khartoum State, Sudan: Knowledge and Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26765/DRJPHET12112293Keywords:
Khartoum, Omdurman Military Hospital, Biomedical Waste Management, Occupational Safety, Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticesAbstract
This study assessed Biomedical Waste Management (BMWM) practices at Omdurman Military Hospital (OMH), Khartoum State, Sudan, between September 2020 and March 2021. A descriptive cross-sectional study using a mixed-methods approach was employed to evaluate biomedical waste handling processes, knowledge, attitudes, and practices among relevant stakeholders. Data were collected through direct observation, field notes, structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews involving medical staff, internal waste handlers, and municipal waste personnel. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, while qualitative data supported contextual interpretation. The respondents were predominantly male (62.07%), while females constituted 39.93%. Biomedical waste classification at the point of generation was reported by 86.21% of participants, although 13.39% indicated that waste was not classified. Occupational health risks were substantial, with 48.28% of respondents reporting injuries during biomedical waste handling. The consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was low, as only 48.28% reported wearing protective clothing, compared with 51.72% who did not. Hand hygiene practices were relatively satisfactory, with 72.41% of respondents reporting frequent handwashing with soap after waste handling, while 27.59% did not. Vaccination coverage among workers was comparatively high, as 79.31% reported being vaccinated during their work, whereas 20.69% were not vaccinated. However, formal training in biomedical waste management remained inadequate, with only 48.28% of respondents trained and 51.72% untrained. Despite the existence of institutional policies broadly aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, gaps in training, PPE compliance, and occupational safety practices undermine effective BMWM at OMH, increasing risks to healthcare workers and the environment.
