Status of healthcare waste management in small and medium sized healthcare facilities in Nakuru East Sub County, Kenya

Background: Health care waste (HCW) is unwanted materials produced from hospitals, laboratories and research centres. HCW is of public health importance because hazardous HCW carries significant health risks. If poorly handled, it can lead to significant public health crises. Consequently, guidelines for proper management of HCW have been legislated. Unfortunately, not all healthcare facilities adhere to the guidelines. Diseases spread by inadequately disposed HCW are becoming increasingly prevalent especially in developing nations. This study was therefore conducted to establish the status of HCW management in six purposefully selected healthcare facilities in Nakuru East Sub-County (NESC), Kenya.Methods: A cross sectional study design was used to conduct this study. Six healthcare facilities (HCFs) in NESC, Kenya were purposefully selected. The HCFs were selected based on level and patient volumes and categorised as small or medium sized. HCW from each of the HCFs was weighed and categorised. Observation checklists and interviews were used to determine techniques used in HCW management.Results: The total weekly weight of HCW was 187.65 kg (mean 31.3 kg). Small sized HCF produced 49.55 kg/week while medium sized HCFs produced 138.1 kg/week. Total weekly weight of general HCW was 143.7 kg (76.5%); 33.8 kg (18%) was infectious while 10.2 kg (5.4%) was sharps.Conclusions: Healthcare facilities in NESC produce significant quantities of HCW. General HCW was predominant, followed by infectious waste and sharps. A considerable proportion of the HCFs did not comply with the stipulated guidelines for safe management of HCW. Concerned authorities in all HCFs should be alert and proactive regarding proper management of HCW.

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EXPOSURE AND CONSEQUENCES OF NOISE POLLUTION AMONG RESIDENTS OF BICHI TOWN, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

FUDMA Journal of Sciences ◽

10.33003/fjs-2021-0502-626 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 151-157

Author(s):

Muktar A. Gadanya ◽

Imrana A. Buhari

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Effects ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Noise Pollution ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Living Condition ◽

Technological Advancement ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Important Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional

Environmental pollution is the most important public health problem densely in populated areas in the developing countries and often the underlying cause of many diseases of public health importance. Noise pollution is an undesirable sound that interferes with wellbeing in the environment with significant effects. With the current rapid growth and technological advancement, noise pollution is increasingly becoming environmental menace that deserves appropriate attention in order to mitigate its health effects. This paper aims to determine the sources, awareness and health effects of noise pollution in a typical Nigerian sub-urban population. Descriptive cross-sectional study using interviewer administered questionnaire and measurement of environmental noise using acoustic metre. Majority of the respondents (75.8%) were exposed to noise levels above the 55dB WHO safe noise level without health effects. Power generators, automobiles and grinding machines are the commonest sources of noise pollution in the studied environment amounted to a value of 55.8%, 40% and 35.8% respectively and to a lesser extent hawker (16.4%) and loudspeaker (9.6%) among others. Sleep disturbance, headache, and poor concentration were commonly reported effects of noise in the environment with magnitudes of 52.7%, 50.9%, 15.8% respectively. Anxiety (12.1%) and hearing disturbances (11.5%) were also common. Noise pollution associated health problems are common in the community with significant effects on the quality of life of the inhabitants. Stable power supply, effective legislation and improvement in living condition of the people are key to minimize noise pollution and avert its deleterious health effects

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Nutrient intake of European adolescents: results of the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980013000463 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 17 (3) ◽

pp. 486-497 ◽

Cited By ~ 44

Author(s):

Katharina Diethelm ◽

Inge Huybrechts ◽

Luis Moreno ◽

Stefaan De Henauw ◽

Yannis Manios ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Nutrient Intake ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Nutrient Status ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Childhood And Adolescence ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Initiatives

AbstractObjectiveAn adequate nutritional intake in childhood and adolescence is crucial for growth and the prevention of youth and adult obesity and nutrition-related morbidities. Improving nutrient intake in children and adolescents is of public health importance. The purpose of the present study was to describe and evaluate the nutrient intake in a European sample using the D-A-CH nutrient intake recommendations and the Nutritional Quality Index (NQI).DesignThe HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study is a cross-sectional study, the main objective of which is to obtain comparable data on a variety of nutritional and health-related parameters in adolescents aged 12·5–17·5 years.SettingEight cities in Europe.SubjectsThe initial sample consisted of 3528 European adolescents. Among these, 1590 adolescents (54 % female) had sufficient and plausible dietary data on energy and nutrient intakes from two 24 h recalls using the HELENA-DIAT software.ResultsThe intakes of most macronutrients, vitamins and minerals were in line with the D-A-CH recommendations. While the intakes of SFA and salt were too high, the intake of PUFA was too low. Furthermore, the intakes of vitamin D, folate, iodine and F were less than about 55 % of the recommendations. The median NQI was about 71 (of a maximum of 100).ConclusionsThe intakes of most nutrients were adequate. However, further studies using suitable criteria to assess nutrient status are needed. Public health initiatives should educate children and adolescents regarding balanced food choices.

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Prevalence and determinants of violence against health care in the metropolitan city of Peshawar: a cross sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10243-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad Naseem Khan ◽

Zia Ul Haq ◽

Mirwais Khan ◽

Sadia Wali ◽

Faryal Baddia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Healthcare Personnel ◽

Public Healthcare ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Violent Events

Abstract Background Violence against healthcare personnel is a major public health problem. Healthcare personnel are at the frontline dealing with people in stressful and unpredictable situations. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of violence against health care personnel. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in the district Peshawar. Healthcare personnel from public and private sectors working in both the primary and tertiary levels of healthcare were invited to participate. Violence was assessed through a structured questionnaire previously used in Pakistan and was defined as experiencing and/or witnessing any form of violence in the last 12 months. Mental health was assessed through the General Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association of violence against healthcare personnel with psychological distress and demographic characteristics. Data entry and analysis were conducted in STATA 14. Results A total of 842 healthcare personnel participated in the study. The prevalence of violence experienced and/or witnessed by healthcare personnel in Peshawar was 51%. Verbal violence remained the predominant form of violence and almost half of the healthcare personnel (45%) were exposed to it. A quarter of the respondents (24%) reported physical violence alone or in combination with other forms of violence. In almost two third of the incidents the perpetrators were either attendants, relatives or the patients. The emergency unit and wards within healthcare facilities were the most common places where violent events took place. The major factors responsible for the violent incidents were communication failure, unreasonable expectations and perceived substandard care. No uniform policy/procedure existed to manage the incidents and the healthcare personnel adopted different responses in the wake of violent events targeting health care. Working in public healthcare facilities and having a larger number of co-workers/colleagues significantly increased the risk of violence in the healthcare settings while being a paramedic significantly reduced the risk as compared to physicians. Conclusions Violence against healthcare personnel is a serious public health issue and the prevalence is quite high. A holistic effort is needed by all stakeholders including healthcare community, the administration, lawmakers, law enforcement, civil society, and international organizations.

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Poor Eating Habits and Predictors of Weight Gain During the COVID-19 Quarantine Measures in Kuwait: A Cross Sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-29219/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nouf S ALMughamis ◽

Shaimaa AlAsfour ◽

Shariq Mehmood

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Binge Eating ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Public

Abstract Objective Despite the public health importance of documenting the burden of physical inactivity and weight gain, there is a paucity of such data in Kuwait during the lockdown for Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, this survey was designed to estimate: the burden of poor eating habits particularly binge eating habits, fluctuations in weight and its predictors among the Kuwaiti public. Results There was a total of 522 valid respondents, with a mean age of 41.78 (11.75) years. There was a significant increase in weight of respondents during the quarantine (mean difference= -1.13, SD 5.39, t= -4.52, p < 0.001). Those with reporting unhealthy diets were 4.5 times more likely to report an increase in weight. Those reporting having anxiety throughout the day were 2.45 times more likely and those consuming snacks excessively were associated with 3.27 times higher odds of increase in weight than those not consuming it.

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Awareness, attitude and practises of biomedical waste management amongst public health-care staff in Karnataka, India

Journal of Humanities and Applied Social Sciences ◽

10.1108/jhass-08-2019-0041 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Javeed Ahamed Golandaj ◽

Karabasappa Gadigeppa Kallihal

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Health Care ◽

Care Staff ◽

Health Care Staff ◽

Special Focus ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type

Purpose Enormous amount of biomedical wastes (BMW) produced everyday across the world. Management of BMW depends on adherence to protocol. BMW management at generation point, definitely, depends upon the awareness, attitudes and practises of health-care staff, the purpose of this study will assess the awareness, attitude and practise regarding different aspects of BMW. Design/methodology/approach An observational with appropriate checklists, and a cross-sectional study, involving questionnaires, was conducted during 7-24 January 2016. The existing system of BMW management, funds, resources, etc., knowledge, attitude and practises about BMW were assessed amongst 273 health-care workers in selected public health-care institutes of Karnataka. Findings Of 273 study participants, majority (54%) of them have not received any training pertaining to BMW. The results showed a poor level of knowledge and awareness of BMW management amongst health-care personnel. Merely, 43% of the participants correctly knew the categorization of BMW and its disposal in proper colour-coded bins/bags. Awareness is very poor amongst the lower age group, male participants, lab-technicians/pharmacists and supporting staff. Doctors were good at theoretical knowledge such as rules, legislation and public-health importance of BMW management than the practical aspects such as categorization and colour-coding. Further, the attitude of health-care staff is favourable about BMW. Immunization for hepatitis-B was very poor amongst waste handlers (43%). Originality/value As the awareness and practise regarding BMW management were poor across different health-care staff there is a need to conduct periodic training and regular monitoring with special focus on the proper use of personal protective equipment. Further, precautionary immunization should be provided, especially waste handlers and sanitary workers.

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Healthcare waste management in Ghanaian hospitals: Associated public health and environmental challenges

Waste Management & Research ◽

10.1177/0734242x20914748 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 38 (8) ◽

pp. 831-839 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Stephen T Odonkor ◽

Tahiru Mahami

Keyword(s):

Waste Management ◽

Waste Disposal ◽

Management Practices ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Healthcare Operations ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Healthcare Facilities ◽

Healthcare Waste ◽

Healthcare Waste Management ◽

Waste Management Practices

Healthcare waste generation is an integral part of healthcare operations. Improper healthcare waste management and disposal can be detrimental to humans and the environment. The objective of this paper is to investigate the healthcare waste management practices, aiming to provide needed data to inform policy decisions. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional study. Quantitative data was obtained from 497 respondents who worked in 25 major healthcare facilities. Data was analyzed using (SPSS) version 23.0. Results indicated that 52.4% of respondents had knowledge about healthcare waste management. However, only 12% of the respondents were open to training in healthcare/biomedical waste management. Less than half of the respondent (47.5%) practiced waste segregation at the sources of generation. There were significantly more healthcare waste disposal materials available ( P = 0.001) in private than government and quasi-government hospitals. Based on the major findings of the study, we recommend that adequate training as well as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) should be provided to healthcare professionals to improve healthcare waste management. Complacence in adhering to Healthcare waste disposal guideline must be addressed.

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Prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and hydatidosis in Jimma municipal abattoir, South West Ethiopia

Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research ◽

10.4102/ojvr.v76i3.37 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 76 (3) ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

T. Tolosa ◽

W. Tigre ◽

G. Teka ◽

P. Dorny

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Neck Muscle ◽

Hydatid Cysts ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Anatomical Distribution ◽

Bovine Cysticercosis ◽

Masseter Muscles ◽

Epidemiology And Public Health

A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and hydatidosis was conducted from October 2007 to March 2008 in cattle slaughtered at the Jimma municipal abattoir. Cyst distribution and viability of bovine cysticercosis and hydatidosis were also determined. A total of 512 carcasses were inspected of which 15 (2.93 %) and 161 (31.44 %) were infected with Taenia saginata metacestodes and hydatid cysts, respectively. From a total of 109 cysticerci collected from infected carcasses, 47 (43.12 %) were viable. The anatomical distribution of the cysticerci was, shoulder muscle (39.5 %), heart (33.9 %), neck muscle (13.8 %), tongue (10.1 %), masseter muscles (1.8 %) and diaphragm (0.9 %). Of the 1171 hydatid cysts collected 223 (19.0 %) were fertile, 505 (43.1 %) sterile, 49 (29.8 %) calcified and 94 (8.0 %) contained pus. A greater proportion of fertile cysts were found in the lungs than in other organs. It was concluded that these zoonotic cestodes deserve due attention to safeguard public health, and that further studies are needed on genotyping, epidemiology and public health importance of Echinococcus granulosus in the study area.

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EXPOSURE AND CONSEQUENCES OF NOISE POLLUTION AMONG RESIDENTS OF BICHI TOWN, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

FUDMA Journal of Sciences ◽

10.33003/fjs-2021-0502-521 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 52-58

Author(s):

Muktar A. Gadanya ◽

Imrana A. Buhari

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Health Effects ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Noise Pollution ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Living Condition ◽

Technological Advancement ◽

Public Health Importance ◽

Important Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional

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HOSPITALS

The Professional Medical Journal ◽

10.29309/tpmj/2007.14.04.4830 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 14 (04) ◽

pp. 639-647

Author(s):

MUHAMMAD AYAZ BHATTI ◽

Farah Rashid ◽

KOMEL ZULFIQAR ◽

Mirza Inamul Haq ◽

MOAZZAM ALI

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Tertiary Level ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Workers ◽

Collection Data ◽

Infectious Waste ◽

Health Care Waste

Objectives: To know the amount of total waste generated in the hospital daily,to know the types of waste and the amount of infectious waste generated daily, and to know about knowledge andattitude of the health care workers, doctors nurses and sanitary staff about hospital waste. Setting: The study areais the Pakistan Railway Hospital a tertiary level care Hospital consisting of 380 beds and all the essential Departments.Study Period: the study was conducted from June 2006 to September 2006. Material and methods: study design:This was a cross sectional study Single tertiary level care hospital was studied due to limitation of time and resources.Data collection: Data was collected by using structured questionnaire and weighing of one day (24 hours) waste fromall the units. Other relevant data was collected by structured interviews, meetings, discussions. Results: wastegenerated in twenty four hours is 229.75 Kg. The average waste generated per patient per day is 1.05 Kg, the quantityof infectious waste generated is 104.8 Kg i.e. 0.478 Kg per patient per day. Quantity of waste generated in order ofmaximum to minimum waste was Gynae/Obs 1.29Kg, Paediatrics1.15Kg, Surgery 1.13 followed by Orthopaedics0.80Kg, ENT 0.71 Medicine 0.48 and ophthalmology 0.4Kg all per bed per day. The responses show that all thecategories of hospital workers are nearly not having the proper knowledge about the hazards and therefore unable togive suggestion or solution of the problem. Conclusion: Health care waste management in Railway Hospital is in badshape. The general awareness on the subject is very much lacking both by the producers as well as handlers of waste.There is acute need for training and sensitization of managers, staff and sanitary staff for safe disposal of waste.

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What Determines The Migration Intentions Of University Students?

Balkan Region Conference on Engineering and Business Education ◽

10.2478/cplbu-2014-0042 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 193-198

Author(s):

Heiko Haase ◽

Arndt Lautenschläger

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Career Choice ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Demographic Characteristics ◽

Migration Decision ◽

Considerable Proportion ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Intention To Stay ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The University

AbstractThe paper aims at exploring determinants of the university students' intentions to stay within their university region. At this, we presume that students' career choice motivations are related to their professional intentions, which again, along with demographic characteristics, affect their migration decision. Our analysis is based on a cross-sectional study of 2,353 students from three different higher education institutions, two of them located in Germany and one in Namibia. Results indicate that in Germany migration matters because a considerable proportion of students intend to leave the university region after graduation. At this, we found that the students' geographical provenance exerts the most significant effect on the intention to stay. Moreover, certain professional intentions were directly and some career choice motivations were indirectly linked with the intention to remain at the university location. We present several conclusions and implications.

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