ENGAGED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ASSESSMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH CARE WASTE AT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRES IN BRASS LGA BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22997314Keywords:
Community, Healthcare, Health officers, Management, Segregation, WasteAbstract
Aim/Objectives: This study investigates healthcare waste management in Primary Health Care centers across Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, with a focus on the role of Environmental Health Officers (EHOs). Methods: Descriptive research design was employed to select the respondents for this study. Results: The age range among the respondents was more 26-35yrs (46.2%) compare to the least age with (9.6%) and those with master’s degree of 7.7%. Respondents with professional certificate in environmental health were 90.4% having years of experience of 1-5years (42.3%) respectively. Findings from this study indicate insufficient EHO staffing, limited retraining, and significant challenges in waste segregation and handling, with 81% of respondents acknowledging systemic barriers. Conclusion: While EHOs demonstrate commitment; their effectiveness is hampered by resource constraints, irregular training, and weak policy enforcement. Recommendations include enhanced funding, continuous EHO training, stricter policy enforcement, community sensitization, and investment in eco-friendly disposal infrastructure to improve HCW management and mitigate public health and environmental risks in Brass LGA.
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