ABSTRACT

The study uses FMC and AKTH as a case study in order to assess the knowledge, practices and attitudes of waste handlers on biomedical waste management. The study investigates the major problems associated with management and handling practices and the possible solutions to tackle those problems. Based on the findings from this study, recommendations will be proposed to the hospitals on ways to improve the system of biomedical waste management and handling. A total of 12 individuals from a private company named Gaby-cord limited were involved in the survey at FMC, sample size was chosen based on the idea of saturation. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and direct observation were used to gather all the data required for the study at FMC. On the other hand, semistructured interviews, direct observation and hospital records were used to acquire information at Aminu Kano teaching hospital (AKTH), Kano. A total of three individuals were involved in the survey including the head of department, data collection was carried out at AKTH. FMC waste handlers have limited knowledge on biomedical waste management legislations and guidelines. Waste handlers have positive attitudes towards biomedical waste management and are aware of common practices of biomedical waste management. Generally biomedical waste management is poor at FMC. On the other hand, AKTH has the potential to meet the standard biomedical waste management system proposed by the World Health Organization. However, it is recommended for both hospitals to aim for positive goals based on fixed standards and set a time frame at which the goals are expected to be achieved.