Intra-Urban Solid Waste Disposal Practice in Selected Hospitals in Ota, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined waste disposal options employed by the different hospital authorities in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. This is with a view to ascertaining whether the methods are environment-friendly. Data for the research were obtained through questionnaire administration and interview. There are thirty eight (38) hospitals distributed within the five (5) wards in Ota Township. For the purpose of this study, 25% of the hospitals were sampled. Using stratified sampling technique, two hospitals were selected from each ward. This translated to 10 hospitals. Questionnaires were administered to all cleaners in each of the hospitals, while interview was conducted on head of the hospitals and waste management team where available. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study shows that virtually all the surveyed hospitals adopted the same methods for disposing their medical waste components.It could be concluded that methods employed in the disposal of pathological, pharmaceutical, sharps, radioactive, infectious and general waste were inadequate. The study recommends the use of modern approach and technology in the disposal of medical waste in order to forestall inherent hazards.