The Causes and Effects of Improper Waste Management in Hospitals: A case Study of Hauna District Hospital in Zimbabwe, 2023

Abstract

This dissertation explores the causes and effects of improper waste management in hospitals, with a focus on Hauna District Hospital in Zimbabwe. Improper waste management poses a huge challenge to many hospitals. Hauna District Hospital (HDH) has not been exempted from this problem and thus the need to investigate the causes and effects of improper waste management at the hospital. The improper disposal of waste poses a significant risk to health care workers and patients thereby leading to increased transmission of diseases and infections. HDH has waste handlers who are in charge of handling waste and (EHTs) to facilitate on waste management. However, there are still health problems associated with improper waste management being recorded at the hospital. The purpose of the study was to examine the types of waste generated, causes and effects of improper waste management at HDH from August 2021 to December 2022 and identify possible solutions. The study employed a case study design, in which qualitative research approach was used. The selected design gave the researcher an in depth understanding of phenomena. The target population for this research were health care workers of the hospital. The study had a total of 19 participants and data was collected through interviews, observations and questionnaires. The data was analyzed through thematic and context analysis. Purposive and simple random sampling were used to select the key informants for this study. The research findings revealed that HDH generates different types of waste including syringes, chemicals, papers, food stuffs, bottles just to mention a few. The study also revealed that HDH has limited resources allocated for waste management as one of the main causes to improper waste management. These factors have resulted in a range of adverse effects, including an increased risk of infections, environmental pollution, and occupational hazards for hospital staff members. The study concludes by recommending the adoption of effective waste management practices, increased funding for waste management, and training of healthcare practitioners on proper waste management. Overall, the study contributes to the literature on effective waste management strategies, highlighting the need for comprehensive WM policies and practices in healthcare settings.