Laboratory Waste Management in the Context of a Pandemic, TheCase of Covid-19, In the Buea Health District (Cameroon)

Abstract

Introduction: Laboratory waste management (LWM) is an important precondition to safeguard the healthcare workers (HCWs), community members and the environment, from contamination with infections. Worldwide, at least 5.2 million people die each year from diseases originating from poorly managed medical waste. Managing the Laboratory waste during pandemics as exemplified by COVID-19 requires critical attention to mitigate the transmission of the pathogenic agent. This study aimed at assessing LWM in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in the Buea Health District.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted from March to June 2022. A checklist was used to record observations whilst structured questionnaires
were used to get information from HCWs. Descriptive analysis (age, sex, profession category, educational status and work experience) was carried out. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictor variables for waste management practices of HCWs. Adjusted Odds Ratio at 95% confidence level was used to measure the strength of association. P-value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance. 

Results: The proportion of HCWs who had good level of knowledge, good attitude and precautions in LWM were 48.4%, 84.8% and 65.0% respectively.
Medical Laboratory Technicians (60.8%) and age group 18-30 years (64.0%) got training on Laboratory waste management. Segregation and disinfection reduced the spread of the disease (88.4%), and Laboratory technicians with good attitudes (50.4%) significantly took precautions in handling Laboratory waste in government hospitals.

Conclusion: Less than half of HCWs had good knowledge on LWM. Hence, in-service training is recommended to improve LWM knowledge and practices.