Solid medical waste management practices and awareness in COVID-19 screening stations

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: During the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, an effective and efficient medical waste management plan is required to prevent disease transmission fromthe Coronavirus disease 2019 viral solid wastes. Screening stations are critical locations wheresolid Coronavirus disease 2019 wastes are created. Solid trash collection and managementstrategies for screening stations must be studied as they are the first point of origin for solidCoronavirus disease 2019 wastes. The goal of this study is to evaluate the level of healthcareworkers’ knowledge in the medical waste management field in Jordanian Coronavirus disease2019 screening stations, with an emphasis on understanding and implementing Jordanianmedical waste management protocols, by examining the awareness, perspective, and practiceabout the many aspects of Coronavirus disease 2019 wastes.METHODS: A study sample (n = 78) involving technicians, nurses, and physicians working atvarious screening stations in Jordan’s public and private sectors was evaluated. From April2021 to September 2021, a cross-sectional survey involving questionnaires was carried out.The survey included questions on medical waste management knowledge and awarenessamong healthcare personnel regarding the Coronavirus 2019 medical waste administrative andcollection procedures.There are various limitations to this cross-sectional study that should be noted. This is a studyconducted among health care employees when an overwhelming amount of coronavirusdisease cases were being recorded locally and worldwide, affecting transportation ability andminimizing time spent with screening station personnel.FINDINGS: The outcomes of the first module of the questionnaire revealed a high degree ofmedical waste management knowledge and awareness among healthcare staff. On the otherhand, nurses demonstrated the highest awareness and application of COVID-19 medical wasteadministrative procedures. Furthermore, the results of the third module revealed that theprivate sector fails to successfully execute national and international procedures, with the mostsignificant negative responses among other categories.CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Jordan’s solid waste collection and disposal methods wereeffectively implemented, which might aid in the virus eradication. Even though most Jordanianscreening stations have effectively implemented knowledge and awareness regarding solidCoronavirus disease 2019 wastes management practices, there is a need to undertake periodictraining and continuous monitoring with a specific focus on the appropriate administrative andcollecting processes for both technicians, and private sector stations © 2022 GJESM. All rights reserved