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@article{210667,
        author = {Sunday Ogala Akoh and Patrick Ezu Kigbu and Attah Jeremiah Salifu and Victor Ojomah},
        title = {HEALTHCARE WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISKS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {6},
        pages = {1874-1890},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=210667},
        abstract = {Healthcare waste management is an essential component of environmental health and occupational safety because improper handling and disposal of healthcare waste can expose healthcare workers, patients, waste handlers and surrounding communities to biological, chemical and physical hazards. This study examines healthcare waste management practices and occupational health risks among healthcare workers in selected hospitals in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to identify the major categories of healthcare waste generated, examine existing waste management practices, assess healthcare workers’ knowledge and compliance with safety procedures and utilisation of personal protective equipment, identify occupational health risks associated with waste handling, and examine institutional factors influencing healthcare waste management and occupational safety. A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical research design was adopted. The proposed study population comprises healthcare workers in Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, and Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, Kaduna. A sample size of 427 respondents was estimated using Cochran’s formula, with an allowance for non-response. Data collection is based on structured questionnaires and an observational checklist, while data analysis involves frequencies, percentages and appropriate statistical tests. The model results indicate that general waste, infectious waste and sharps are commonly identified across the selected facilities. Segregation at the point of generation was reported by 57.6% of respondents, while 44.7% indicated that hazardous waste was appropriately treated. Only 38.4% reported the maintenance of waste management records. Back pain and muscle strain (29.5%), contact with contaminated blood and body fluids (27.4%) and needle-stick injuries (21.3%) were among the occupational risks identified. Inadequate treatment facilities (70.5%), insufficient personal protective equipment (67.7%) and insufficient funding (64.6%) were prominent institutional challenges. The study concludes that effective healthcare waste management requires adequate infrastructure, continuous staff training, appropriate protective equipment, institutional monitoring and compliance with environmental regulations. It recommends strengthening waste segregation, improving treatment facilities and establishing comprehensive occupational safety programmes in healthcare institutions.},
        keywords = {Healthcare waste management; occupational health risks; healthcare workers; personal protective equipment; environmental health; Kaduna State.},
        month = {November},
        }