Background of the study
Healthcare waste management is crucial for preventing environmental contamination and safeguarding public health. Effective waste management in hospitals is essential for handling medical waste such as sharps, infectious materials, and pharmaceutical waste, which can pose significant health risks if not properly managed (Eze et al., 2024). In Katsina State, public and private hospitals face different challenges in healthcare waste management, with public hospitals often struggling with limited resources and poor infrastructure, while private hospitals may have more advanced systems but higher operational costs (Salim et al., 2023).
Public hospitals in Nigeria have faced challenges related to funding, manpower, and infrastructure, which can negatively affect their ability to manage healthcare waste (Olawunmi & Gado, 2024). Conversely, private hospitals, which often operate on profit-driven models, may implement more sophisticated waste management systems, but their effectiveness remains inconsistent due to high costs and regulatory barriers (Okoro et al., 2025). A comparative study of healthcare waste management practices between public and private hospitals in Katsina State will provide insights into the challenges and solutions each sector faces in ensuring proper waste disposal and environmental safety.
Statement of the problem
Both public and private hospitals in Katsina State struggle with the challenges of managing healthcare waste, yet they often adopt different strategies based on available resources. Public hospitals are often underfunded, leading to inadequate waste management practices, while private hospitals may have better systems in place but face cost and regulatory challenges. This study aims to compare the healthcare waste management practices of both sectors and identify the factors contributing to their effectiveness or failure.
Objectives of the study
To compare the healthcare waste management practices in public and private hospitals in Katsina State.
To assess the impact of healthcare waste management on hospital operations and patient safety.
To identify the challenges faced by public and private hospitals in managing healthcare waste and suggest recommendations.
Research questions
What are the key differences in healthcare waste management practices between public and private hospitals in Katsina State?
How do healthcare waste management practices impact hospital operations and patient safety in Katsina State?
What challenges do hospitals in Katsina State face in implementing effective healthcare waste management systems?
Research hypotheses
There is a significant difference in the healthcare waste management practices of public and private hospitals in Katsina State.
Effective healthcare waste management practices positively impact patient safety and hospital operations.
The challenges faced by public hospitals in healthcare waste management are primarily related to inadequate resources and infrastructure.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study will focus on healthcare waste management practices in public and private hospitals in Katsina State. It will compare waste disposal, recycling, and safety protocols in these hospitals. Limitations include the potential reluctance of hospitals to disclose detailed waste management data and the difficulty of observing waste management processes in real-time.
Definitions of terms
Healthcare Waste Management: The collection, treatment, and disposal of waste produced by healthcare facilities, including infectious, hazardous, and non-hazardous waste.
Public Hospitals: Government-funded healthcare institutions that provide services to the general public, often facing financial constraints.
Private Hospitals: Healthcare institutions that are privately owned and operated, typically with more resources but operating under profit-driven models.
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