Assessing the Effectiveness of Hospital Waste Management Practices Among Tertiary Care Hospitals and Primary Health Centres in KPK: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Healthcare waste, both biologic and non-biologic, poses environmental and public health risks if improperly managed. Developing countries like Pakistan often lack effective waste management systems, leading to potential hazards. Objective: This study assessed the effectiveness of hospital waste management practices in tertiary care hospitals and primary health centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2023, with 384 participants involved in waste management from various healthcare roles. Data were collected via interviews, observations, and questionnaires on demographics, knowledge, training, PPE use, and disposal methods. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Results: Of the 384 participants, 72.49% were male, with a mean age of 35-40 years. Awareness of waste management practices was high among doctors (96.9%) and paramedics (93.4%). However, PPE usage was low, with only 36.9% consistently using face masks, 31.8% using aprons, and 28.4% using gloves. Most facilities had designated central storage (93.2%) and staff for disposal (96.6%). Incineration was available in 89.6% of facilities but faced operational issues. Conclusion: While awareness of waste management is high, gaps exist in PPE usage and reliance on incineration. Improving training, developing alternative waste treatment methods, and implementing a national policy are recommended to enhance waste management practices in Pakistan.