FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF BIOMEDICAL WASTE IN MILITARY HEALTHCARE FACILITIES IN KISANGANI. RESEARCH PROTOCOL

Introduction: The objective of this study is to evaluate the management of biomedical waste (BMW) and the factors associated with poor management in military healthcare facilities in Kisangani. Material and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study will be conducted among 475 personnel from military healthcare facilities in Kisangani from July 31st to December 31st, 2023. Data will be collected through interviews, observations, and documentary reviews. The analysis of associated factors will be performed using the Pearson's Chi-square test at a significance level of 5%. Odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) will be presented with the Wald p-value. Expected results: The expected results include data on the sociodemographic characteristics of the personnel, their knowledge and practices regarding BMW management, the availability of resources and guidelines, and the factors associated with BMW management. This study anticipates revealing poor BMW management due to a lack of adequate knowledge and practices among personnel, as well as shortcomings in infrastructure and equipment. We expect to identify risk factors such as lack of training, absence of guidelines, and logistical problems, through statistical analyses (OR, 95% CI, p-value).