Healthcare Waste Segregation and Containerisation Practice among Nursing and Midwifery Students of Knust: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Healthcare waste (HCW) generated in healthcare facilities poses significant public health risks if not properly managed. Effective waste treatment depends largely on proper segregation and containerisation. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nursing and midwifery students at KNUST regarding HCW segregation and containerisation, and identified factors associated with improper practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 nursing and midwifery students from the Department of Nursing, KNUST, comprising 90 second-year, 90 third-year, and 90 final-year students with clinical exposure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed descriptively using SPSS. Results: Overall, 56.3% of participants were aware of the different categories of HCW, but only 35.9% demonstrated correct segregation practice at source of waste generation. The proportion of respondents who disagreed with the statement that healthcare waste (HCW) segregation is not the responsibility of nurses increased progressively across academic years. Disagreement rose from 53.3% among second-year students to 66.7% among third-year students and 77.8% among fourth-year students. While students generally exhibited a positive attitude towards HCW segregation, only 30.7% reported regularly adhering to the correct colour coding during practice. Conclusion: The study revealed generally low levels of knowledge and practice of HCW segregation and containerisation among nursing and midwifery students across all year groups, despite their positive attitudes. Continuous education and reinforcement of proper HCW management practices are recommended to improve compliance and reduce public health risks.