An assessment of nurses' knowledge and implementation of safe disposal of medical waste at Cross River State Teaching Hospital
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Background of the Study
The safe disposal of medical waste has emerged as a crucial aspect of healthcare facilities worldwide, particularly within the context of hospital settings. Medical waste, including sharps, contaminated materials, pharmaceutical waste, and biological waste, poses significant health risks to both healthcare workers and the surrounding communities if not disposed of properly (Adams et al., 2023). Cross River State Teaching Hospital, like many healthcare institutions in developing countries, faces challenges in the management of medical waste, which could result in the exposure of healthcare staff and patients to hazardous substances, as well as environmental contamination (Ogunleye & Adeyemi, 2024).
Studies have shown that improper disposal of medical waste is prevalent in many healthcare settings due to inadequate training, lack of proper infrastructure, and insufficient adherence to safety protocols (Ali et al., 2023). Nurses, as front-line healthcare providers, play a key role in ensuring that medical waste is safely handled and disposed of. Despite this, several reports suggest that nurses' knowledge of medical waste disposal practices is often limited, leading to improper waste segregation and unsafe disposal methods (Dlamini & Mlambo, 2025). This situation is particularly concerning in teaching hospitals, where the volume of medical waste is substantial, and patient care demands are high.
Previous research in various healthcare settings has highlighted the need for continuous education and training for nurses on the importance of medical waste management. Nurses’ awareness of the environmental and health risks associated with improper disposal is a key factor that can influence their practices (Khan et al., 2023). The implementation of safe disposal practices can prevent cross-contamination, the spread of infectious diseases, and reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare institutions (Bashir et al., 2023). However, despite the available guidelines and protocols, the extent to which these practices are implemented by nurses remains unclear, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Thus, an investigation into the knowledge and implementation of safe medical waste disposal by nurses at Cross River State Teaching Hospital is essential for addressing gaps in training, improving health outcomes, and enhancing the hospital's waste management practices.
Statement of the Problem
Medical waste poses significant risks to the health and safety of healthcare workers, patients, and the environment. Improper disposal of medical waste, especially in hospitals, can lead to the spread of infections, injuries from sharps, and environmental contamination (Sule et al., 2024). Despite the existence of global guidelines on medical waste management, many healthcare facilities, including those in Nigeria, face challenges related to the safe disposal of medical waste. Nurses are often at the forefront of waste management in hospitals; however, there is a concern regarding their level of knowledge and the extent to which they implement safe disposal practices (Oluwadare & Obisesan, 2025). Inadequate knowledge, lack of proper training, and insufficient infrastructure for waste disposal are key factors that contribute to unsafe waste management practices (Abdullahi et al., 2023). Therefore, it is necessary to assess the knowledge and implementation of safe disposal practices among nurses at Cross River State Teaching Hospital, to identify barriers and propose solutions to improve medical waste management practices.
Objectives of the Study
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To assess the level of nurses' knowledge regarding the safe disposal of medical waste at Cross River State Teaching Hospital.
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To evaluate the implementation of safe medical waste disposal practices among nurses in the hospital.
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To identify the factors influencing the knowledge and implementation of medical waste disposal practices among nurses.
Research Questions
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What is the level of nurses' knowledge regarding the safe disposal of medical waste at Cross River State Teaching Hospital?
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To what extent do nurses implement safe disposal practices for medical waste at the hospital?
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What factors influence the nurses' knowledge and implementation of medical waste disposal practices?
Research Hypotheses
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There is a significant relationship between the level of nurses' knowledge and their implementation of safe disposal practices for medical waste.
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There is a significant difference in the knowledge and implementation of medical waste disposal practices based on nurses' years of experience.
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Nurses with formal training in medical waste management are more likely to implement safe disposal practices than those without training.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on nurses working at Cross River State Teaching Hospital, examining their knowledge and practices concerning the safe disposal of medical waste. The research will be limited to nurses in different departments, including emergency, surgery, and obstetrics. Limitations of the study include the potential for response bias, as nurses may report their practices more favorably. Additionally, the study is limited to a specific geographic region, which may affect the generalizability of the findings to other regions or healthcare settings.
Definitions of Terms
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Medical waste: Waste generated from healthcare activities, which may include contaminated materials, sharps, pharmaceuticals, and biological waste.
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Safe disposal: The proper handling, treatment, and disposal of medical waste according to established health and safety guidelines.
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Nurses: Healthcare professionals responsible for providing care to patients, including managing medical waste in hospital settings.
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