ABSTRACT
The handling of healthcare waste (HCW) was investigated in 30 rural healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. Using a semi-structured questionnaire; interviews were carried out with the person in charge of the facility and observations were made to establish current practices in sorting; handling and disposal of HCW. It was found that improper sorting and management of HCW occurred on most sites with implications for cost; infection control and education. It is imperative therefore that improved HCW management measures be implemented and that healthcare facility staff receive appropriate and repeated training to ensure minimising risk
Subject(s)
Medical Waste , Medical Waste Disposal , Rural Health Services , Waste ManagementABSTRACT
Cancer of the cervix is a significant burden on women's health throughout the world despite it being a largely preventable disease. In South Africa; the launch of the National Guideline on Cervical Cancer Screening in 2000 aimed to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in the country. The aim of this research is to review the status of cervical screening in clinics of eThekwini municipal area in Durban; KwaZulu- Natal; South Africa. A cross-sectional; descriptive study of clinics involving 22 nurses working in fixed clinics offering cervical screening in the eThekwini municipal area was carried out. Interviews were conducted with professional nurses from the clinics using a semi-structured questionnaire. Questions focused on the availability of resources to implement cervical screening; nurses' knowledge; attitudes and beliefs towards cervical screening. Interview data were verified and complemented by direct observation of screening facilities. The equipment in the clinics was always adequate for taking cervical smears. No patient education material was available to promote cervical screening or provide information about cervical cancer. The median number of women screened was 20 per month in accordance with a quota system currently in place. When given a hypothetical cytology result to interpret; 27of nurses identified the correct management regimen; 64recognised that they needed more training in the interpretation of cytology results. Most cervical screening in the clinics was done for diagnostic reasons rather than as population-based screening. Barriers to effective cervical screening included: insufficient nursing staff; a quota system limiting the number of smears that could be taken and inadequate patient educational material on cervical cancer