Environmental and Health Risk Associated with Improper Medical Waste Disposal in Tertiary Healthcare Facilities in Calabar, Cross River State

Abstract

Medical waste generated in healthcare facilities poses significant environmental and public health risks. This study assessed the environmental and health risks associated with improper medical waste disposal in three tertiary healthcare facilities in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, Key Informant Interviews (KIls), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests using SPSS version 25, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed high awareness of medical waste management (85.8%), though only 60.4% of respondents had received formal training, often occasional. Segregation using color-coded bins was reported by 52.8%, but nearly 20% indicated no segregation. Incineration (40.6%) and open burning (24.5%) were common disposal methods. Respondents strongly recognized environmental risks, including soil and water contamination (84.9% agreement), air pollution (80.2%), toxic releases from burning (84.0%), and spread of disease vectors (82.1%). Health risks such as needle-stick injuries (85.8%), infection transmission (86.8%), occupational hazards (84.9%), and community exposure (79.3%) were also widely acknowledged (all p < 0.001). Key contributing factors included lack of training, inadequate equipment, insufficient funding, and poor policy enforcement. Qualitative insights from KIls and FGDs corroborated these findings, highlighting inconsistent compliance, resource constraints, and the need for improved infrastructure. The study concludes that while awareness exists, significant gaps in training, resources, and enforcement persist, increasing risks to health workers, waste handlers, and surrounding communities.