Project – HEALTHCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT: ASSESSING ITS IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Healthcare waste management (HCWM) is an increasingly critical issue in public health and environmental protection. Healthcare facilities produce large volumes of waste, including both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), about 15% of waste generated by healthcare activities is considered hazardous, including infectious waste, sharps, and toxic chemicals. When not properly managed, these wastes can result in severe environmental and health problems, including air, soil, and water contamination, as well as increased risks of infections and toxic exposure among waste handlers, patients, and the general public.
In low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, the challenge of effective healthcare waste management is more pronounced due to limited infrastructure, inadequate funding, poor policy enforcement, and lack of awareness. Waste is often disposed of through open burning, burial, or unregulated landfills, leading to environmental degradation and adverse public health outcomes (Abah & Ohimain, 2011). This raises concerns about the long-term implications of poor waste disposal practices on environmental health, which encompasses air and water quality, soil integrity, and disease transmission pathways.
Moreover, healthcare waste poses both direct and indirect risks. Direct exposure to infectious or hazardous waste can cause injuries and infections, while indirect effects include pollution of natural ecosystems and bioaccumulation of toxins in food chains. Given the interconnectedness between environmental health and human well-being, assessing how healthcare waste is managed and its impact on environmental health is of paramount importance for sustainable development.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite global efforts and national policies aimed at improving healthcare waste management, many healthcare institutions in Nigeria still lack standardized waste disposal mechanisms. Inadequate segregation, poor storage practices, absence of incineration facilities, and insufficient training among staff have contributed to unsafe waste disposal practices (Dauda & Osita, 2013). These gaps have resulted in increased incidences of environmental pollution, such as water contamination and air pollution from burning waste, which in turn compromise public health.
Additionally, communities located near health facilities often report higher incidences of respiratory infections, skin diseases, and gastrointestinal conditions—possibly linked to poor HCWM practices. However, empirical studies that link specific healthcare waste management practices to environmental health outcomes remain limited. This gap necessitates a systematic assessment of how healthcare waste is managed and its implications on environmental health, to provide data-driven solutions to mitigate risks and improve public safety.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of healthcare waste management practices on environmental health.
Specific objectives include:
To evaluate the current healthcare waste management practices in selected health facilities.
To identify the types and quantities of waste generated by healthcare facilities.
To assess the environmental health risks associated with improper waste management.
To examine the level of awareness and training of healthcare workers on waste management.
To recommend strategies for improving HCWM and minimizing environmental health risks.
1.4 Research Questions
What are the current healthcare waste management practices in selected health facilities?
What types and quantities of waste are generated by these facilities?
How does improper healthcare waste management impact environmental health?
What is the level of awareness and training among healthcare workers regarding waste management?
What strategies can improve healthcare waste management to protect environmental health?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The following null hypotheses are proposed:
H₀₁: There is no significant relationship between healthcare waste management practices and environmental health conditions.
H₀₂: The level of healthcare workers’ awareness and training does not significantly influence the effectiveness of waste management.
H₀₃: The types and quantities of healthcare waste do not significantly affect the extent of environmental pollution.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant in multiple ways. Firstly, it contributes to the body of knowledge on environmental health by providing empirical evidence of the relationship between healthcare waste management and environmental outcomes. Secondly, the study can inform policy makers and regulatory bodies on the effectiveness of existing waste management policies and help identify areas for reform. Thirdly, healthcare managers and workers can benefit from the findings to improve waste handling protocols, reduce occupational risks, and safeguard community health. Lastly, the study aims to raise public awareness on the importance of proper healthcare waste disposal in achieving environmental sustainability.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study will focus on selected public and private healthcare facilities within Lagos State, Nigeria. It will assess their waste generation and disposal practices, staff awareness and training levels, and the resultant environmental health effects. The study will consider both hazardous and non-hazardous waste and explore environmental indicators such as air, water, and soil quality near disposal sites.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Healthcare Waste: Any waste generated during medical diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals.
Environmental Health: The branch of public health concerned with how the environment (natural and built) influences human health and disease.
Waste Management: The collection, transport, processing, and disposal of waste materials.
Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment.
Segregation: The separation of different types of waste at the point of generation to facilitate safe disposal.