The disposal of sharp waste generated at home by diabetic patients poses a significant public health risk, particularly as the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise globally. A recent study conducted at El-Horraya Polyclinic in Alexandria, Egypt, evaluated the effectiveness of an educational program aimed at enhancing diabetic patients' knowledge and practices related to sharps waste disposal.
The importance of this study lies not only in its aims to improve patient knowledge but also to mitigate the environmental hazards and health risks associated with improper sharps disposal. Statistics show there are over 830 million people living with diabetes worldwide, and the Middle East and North Africa region holds the highest comparative prevalence, with Egypt being among the top 10 countries globally for diabetes cases.
According to the study, improper disposal practices among diabetic patients can lead to numerous health risks, including needle-stick injuries, which may transmit infections such as HIV and hepatitis. Many diabetic individuals require insulin injections, resulting in the generation of sharp waste at home. This waste often ends up improperly disposed of, posing health risks for family members, waste handlers, and the environment.
The study incorporated 100 diabetic patients who were divided between intervention and non-intervention groups. The participants underwent pre-intervention assessments to evaluate their baseline knowledge and practices concerning sharps disposal. Following this, the intervention group received three educational sessions focusing on the risks of improper disposal, safe disposal methods, and the importance of using dedicated containers for sharps disposal. Practical demonstrations were also conducted, where participants received puncture-resistant disposal containers for their used sharps.
After implementing the program, the study led to remarkable results. During the first follow-up, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores, with median scores rising to 80%, compared to 60% before the intervention. Similarly, the improvements continued to manifest during subsequent assessments, leading to significant differences (p < 0.001) between the intervention and control groups.
Prior to the interventions, the knowledge level exhibited by both groups was classified as fair, with poor practices evident across the board. Post-intervention results indicated the intervention group's proper disposal practices increased significantly, with participants successfully disposing of their sharps at healthcare facilities, showcasing the direct impact of education coupled with practical support.
The study also highlighted the necessity for comprehensive strategies to manage sharps waste more effectively. Providing free disposal containers not only encouraged compliance but also suggested the need for more such community-oriented programs to address the growing challenges faced by diabetic patients.
Healthcare providers and public health officials should note the effective strategies employed within this educational program, as they could serve as models for similar initiatives aimed at improving knowledge of safe disposal practices for sharps not just among diabetic patients but for broader non-hospital settings.
Overall, this study signifies the potential of educational interventions to transform the knowledge and practices surrounding sharps waste disposal among diabetic patients, underscoring the need for immediate implementation of accessible community disposal programs. The success of this approach could pave the way for implementing similar educational strategies worldwide, targeting various demographic groups.
