ENGAGED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ASSESSMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH CARE WASTE AT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRES IN BRASS LGA BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

LOKOBO J. ABRAHAM, EWILLI A. MESHACK, OTOKIRI BENJAMIN, ISAIAH G. KURO — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

IPHO-Journal of Advance Research in Medical & Health Science

ENGAGED ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH OFFICERS ASSESSMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH CARE WASTE AT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRES IN BRASS LGA BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA