PriMera Scientific Medicine and Public Health (ISSN: 2833-5627)

Research Article

Volume 6 Issue 1

Observational Study on the Management of Biomedical Waste in Health Care Establishments in the City of Kisangani (Tshopo Province, Democratic Republic of Congo)

Theophile Yanyongo Twangaka*, Joris Losimba Likwela, Marcel Otita Likongo, Alliance Tagoto, Eugene Basandja Longembe, Michel Saliki, Franck Esuka and John Panda Lukongo Kitronza

December 18, 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to observe biomedical waste management practices in health care facilities in the City of Kisangani and to identify factors associated with effective biomedical waste management.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with analytical aim was carried out among 422 professionals and managers of health care establishments in Kisangani and was conducted from June 15 to August 15, 2024 in secondary and tertiary care establishments of the city. Data collection was done through direct observations and questionnaires administered to health personnel. Frequencies and crude odds ratios (ORb) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the associations between certain factors and biomedical waste management.

Results: The results of this study show that the majority of healthcare providers have insufficient knowledge on the definition of biomedical waste management (BMWM), with 93.6% of them reporting not knowing it, and 64.5% have not been trained on MBWM. Among the trained providers, the majority (68.7%) received the training more than 36 months ago. In addition, 69.7% of providers do not apply biomedical waste sorting, and 78.2% do not have WHO recommended codified waste bags.

The infrastructure available for waste management is also inadequate, with 71.8% of providers reporting the presence of a non-functional incinerator, 71.3% indicating the presence of a functional placenta pit, ash pit and glass crusher, 69% reporting the presence of non-functional hand hygiene stations, and 77% citing the unavailability of means of transporting biomedical waste.

Finally, analysis of associated factors shows that the availability of functional incinerators (OR = 4.3; p < 0.000), placenta, ash pits and functional glass crushers (OR = 0.03; p < 0.000), means of waste transport (OR = 5.6; p < 0.000), and hand hygiene stations (OR = 0.12; p < 0.000) are strongly associated with better management of biomedical waste in health care facilities.

Conclusion: This study showed insufficient management of biomedical waste in health care facilities in the city of Kisangani. Interventions aimed at strengthening staff capacities and investing in infrastructure are necessary.

Keywords: Observational study; management; biomedical waste; health care establishments; City of Kisangani. Tshopo; DRC

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