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Healthcare waste management knowledge, attitudes and practices of laboratory workers at a regional hospital, Lesotho

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dc.contributor.author Siimane, Tsaletseng M
dc.contributor.author Ntsihlele, Motlatsi
dc.date.accessioned 2025-04-30T08:59:47Z
dc.date.available 2025-04-30T08:59:47Z
dc.date.issued 2024-12-06
dc.identifier.issn 2225-2010
dc.identifier.issn 2225-2002
dc.identifier.uri https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/2190
dc.description.abstract Background: Safe management of healthcare waste (HW) safeguards laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. Knowledge and attitudes influence HW practices, presenting a need for evidence of the current status. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practice of laboratory workers towards waste management at a regional hospital laboratory in Lesotho. Methods: The study was conducted from March 2023 to June 2023 using a mixed-methods descriptive case study design. The entire population (n = 30) of technical and non-technical laboratory workers and generated waste were sampled. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to collect data. Waste generation was assessed by weighing and measuring waste volumes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: All respondents (26/26; 100%) can define HW and (3/3) laboratory assistants (100%) gave correct responses for three questions, namely: risk associated with HW, waste container colour-coding, and disposal requirements. Knowledge on waste management responsibilities ranged between 0% (0/4) for cleaners and 54.5% (6/11) among laboratory technicians. Attitudes were mainly positive, and practices conformed in part to standard operating procedures. Infectious solid waste comprised 77% of solid HW, while 63% of chemical liquid waste emanated from the full blood count area. Conclusion: Knowledge exists among workers and attitudes are predominantly positive; however, some unsafe practices continue, thus knowledge is not fully translated to safe practices. Regular training and measuring and recording of HW were recommended. What this study adds: The study contributes understanding of the status of HW knowledge, attitudes and management practices, highlighting the need for compliance monitoring en
dc.description.sponsorship Self en
dc.language.iso en en
dc.publisher AOSIS en
dc.subject healthcare waste management; knowledge; attitudes; practices; biosafety; biosecurity en
dc.title Healthcare waste management knowledge, attitudes and practices of laboratory workers at a regional hospital, Lesotho en
dc.type Article en


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