Assessment of Healthcare Waste Management knowledge among healthcare trainees and nurses in Tunisia
1
Hygiene, Habib Bourguiba Hospital Sfax,Tunisia, Sfax, Tunisia
2
Community and preventive medicine, Faculty of medicine, Sfax, Tunisia
3
Community and preventive medicine, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1902
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Proper management of healthcare waste (HCW) is essential to prevent infections in Hospital care settings. Assessing the knowledge of healthcare professionals can help identify gaps and guide targeted training. Our study aimed to evaluate HCW management knowledge and its associated factors at a surgical university Hospital.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare trainees and nurses working in Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, during February 2025. Data were collected using a structured and self-administered questionnaire covering six domains of HCW management. Knowledge scores were calculated for each domain and combined into a global score, converted to a 0–100 scale. A good knowledge score was defined as a score superior or equal to 70/100.
RESULTS:
A total of 155 participants were included in the study, with a median age of 21 years (Inter Quartile Range (IQR) = [19-22]) and a sex ratio of 0.3. Among the participants, 91% (n=141) were healthcare trainees, and 16.2% (n=25) reported having previously attended training on the management of HCW. The global median knowledge score was equal to 68/100 (IQR [58-80]). The prevalence of a good knowledge score was 45.8% (n=71). The highest levels of knowledge were observed regarding the segregation of waste types, 100/100 (IQR [90-100], and awareness of occupational risks 100/100 (IQR [66.67-100]). Whereas the lowest level of knowledge was noted regarding individuals responsible for waste evacuation 50 /100 (IQR [0-100]). The univariate analysis of factors associated with a good knowledge score showed that it was more frequent among nurses (Odds Ratio (OR)=8.34; p=0.002), and among those who reported attending training on the management of HCW (OR=2.46; p=0.042)
CONCLUSIONS:
Knowledge of HCW management among healthcare trainees and nurses was insufficient. Therefore, training programs and targeted interventions are essential to improve knowledge, ensure safe handling practices, and reduce occupational exposure risks.
Proper management of healthcare waste (HCW) is essential to prevent infections in Hospital care settings. Assessing the knowledge of healthcare professionals can help identify gaps and guide targeted training. Our study aimed to evaluate HCW management knowledge and its associated factors at a surgical university Hospital.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare trainees and nurses working in Habib Bourguiba University Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia, during February 2025. Data were collected using a structured and self-administered questionnaire covering six domains of HCW management. Knowledge scores were calculated for each domain and combined into a global score, converted to a 0–100 scale. A good knowledge score was defined as a score superior or equal to 70/100.
RESULTS:
A total of 155 participants were included in the study, with a median age of 21 years (Inter Quartile Range (IQR) = [19-22]) and a sex ratio of 0.3. Among the participants, 91% (n=141) were healthcare trainees, and 16.2% (n=25) reported having previously attended training on the management of HCW. The global median knowledge score was equal to 68/100 (IQR [58-80]). The prevalence of a good knowledge score was 45.8% (n=71). The highest levels of knowledge were observed regarding the segregation of waste types, 100/100 (IQR [90-100], and awareness of occupational risks 100/100 (IQR [66.67-100]). Whereas the lowest level of knowledge was noted regarding individuals responsible for waste evacuation 50 /100 (IQR [0-100]). The univariate analysis of factors associated with a good knowledge score showed that it was more frequent among nurses (Odds Ratio (OR)=8.34; p=0.002), and among those who reported attending training on the management of HCW (OR=2.46; p=0.042)
CONCLUSIONS:
Knowledge of HCW management among healthcare trainees and nurses was insufficient. Therefore, training programs and targeted interventions are essential to improve knowledge, ensure safe handling practices, and reduce occupational exposure risks.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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