Assessment of e-waste awareness in medical facilities in Nakuru Town, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness levels of e-waste in medical facilities in Nakuru town, Kenya. With the growing e-waste problem and low awareness levels, there is a need to assess e-waste awareness in medical facilities in Nakuru town. This will help in understanding how the relevant stakeholders perceive e-waste and their awareness levels on the different e-waste issues. Questionnaires were administered to medical facilities administrators and personnel in charge of waste management in the medical facilities. From the target population of 135 medical facilities, a sample size of 91 was sampled. Convenience sampling was used to choose the facilities. In each facility, one key respondent was sampled. Quantitative data were managed using Statistical Package for social science (SPSS). The results of the study aim to improve the e-waste management initiatives for medical facilities. The study concluded that there is a need to assess and understand how medical facilities are aware of this type of waste and how they perceive it. The study recommends for Awareness creation is a critical tool in waste management; for e-waste to be managed efficiently in medical facilities, there is a need to create awareness. This can include empowering the relevant stakeholders with knowledge on what e-waste is, its dangers, regulations associated with e-waste and knowledge on the best practices for managing the e-waste. The study's findings will be effective in developing better e-waste management initiatives and strengthening waste management in medical facilities.