COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF MEDICAL WASTES IN HEALTH CARE INSTITUTIONS AND THE RISKS TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
Abstract

Author(s): Chiejina EN, Orji IN, Anieche JE, Nwankwo CU, Makachi MC, Agbapuonwu NE

The study examined collection and disposal of medical wastes in health care institutions and the risks to health care providers. The population of the study was Nurses, Medical Doctors and Medical La boratory Scientists drawn from health care institutions in Anambra State of Nigeria. Simple random sampling technique was used in selecting a sample size of 210 respondents. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Frequency distribution and percentages were used for the data analyses, and the result indicated high rate (84.3%) usage of sharps containers in health care institutions as well as low incidence of injuries (35.2%) among the health care workers during the process of disposal of medical wastes. Keywords: Collection, Disposal, Medical Wastes, Bloodborne Pathogens,Health care Institution, Health Care Providers