EFFECT OF AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS REGARDING HEALTHCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT AT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTERS

Abstract

Background: Healthcare waste represents one of the most important environmental problems in the world because of the potential environmental hazards and public health risks, and its management is an integral part of infection control programs. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an educational program for healthcare providers regarding healthcare waste management at maternal and child health centers. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Setting: The current study was conducted in 5 maternal and child health centers at Qalyobia Governorate. Subjects: A Convenient sample of healthcare providers (nurses and health technicians) in the previously mentioned setting was recruited. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used. I. A structured interviewing questionnaire: consisting of 3 parts to assess: 1) demographic characteristics of healthcare providers. 2) Healthcare providers' past history of exposure to health problems due to healthcare wastes. 3) healthcare providers' knowledge about healthcare waste management. II. Observational checklist to assess healthcare providers' practices regarding healthcare waste management. III. Modified Likert Scale: was used to assess healthcare providers' attitude regarding healthcare waste management. Results: This study showed that 65.3% of healthcare providers aged from 35 to <50 years old, 93.9% of them were nurses, and 46.9% of them had less than 10 years of experience. Regarding healthcare providers' knowledge; only 12.2% of healthcare providers had good total knowledge score regarding healthcare waste management which increased to 73.5% post educational program intervention. The total score of healthcare providers' practices were satisfactory for 16.3 % of the preprogram and increased to 81.6 % post educatuionaprogram. Preprogram 22.4% of healthcare providers had positive total attitude score which increased post program implementation to 81.6%. Conclusion: This study concluded that the educational program had a significant effect on the improvement of the healthcare providers' knowledge, practices and attitude. Recommendations: Further studies should be provided in other MCH centers to implement healthcare waste management educational program for all healthcare providers.