Waste handlers'health and experiences of healthcare waste management in a Lassa fever treatment centre in Nigeria  

作　　者：Idorenyin Utip Anne Krayer Sion Williams 

机构地区：[1]School of Health Sciences,Bangor University,North Wales,United Kingdom

出　　处：《Global Health Journal》2025年第1期37-45,共9页全球健康杂志(英文)

基　　金：Bangor University,UK supported this study through the International Science Partnerships Fund(ISPF)。

摘　　要：Objective:Studies on the occupational health risks and experiences of healthcare waste handlers since the decline in coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)incidence are scarce in Nigeria.The current study aimed to examine what seemed as the"hidden"and rarely researched area of practice from the standpoint of different stakeholders in a Nigerian Lassa fever treatment hospital.The primary objective was to understand the nature of waste handlers'practices and experiences and identify areas for improvement centred on supporting the development of best practices,in accordance with the World Health Organisation(WHO)guidelines.Methods:This study employed a qualitative case study design,gathering data from healthcare waste handlers(n=34)through four focus groups.Additionally,four in-depth interviews were conducted with ward managers and the infection control team to gain insight into the organisational framing of waste handling practice,the perceived challenges faced by waste handlers from their perspectives,and the provision of training and support.The qualitative data were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim through manual processes and subjected to a reflexive thematic analysis conducted manually.Results:The findings revealed that waste handlers were subjected to various occupational health risks,including back pain,needlestick injuries,psychological distress,fatigue,anxiety,and prolonged exposure to sunlight.Concerns were raised regarding the inadequate supply of personal protective equipment and other essential tools,which suggests a need for organisational commitment to ensure the continual availability of these resources to protect the health and safety of these employees.A critical issue identified was the lack of comprehensive training for waste handlers,highlighting a form of organisational negligence.The consensual views expressed by the waste handlers indicated a sense of dissatisfaction with their working environment,largely attributable to organisational and societal stigmatisation.Furthermore,the study und

关 键 词：Healthcare waste management Waste handlers Occupational health and safety Infectious disease control Lassa fever NIGERIA 

分 类 号：R197.3[医药卫生—卫生事业管理] R197.32[医药卫生—公共卫生与预防医学]