Assessment of solid waste management practice and associated factors among private dental clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Effective solid waste management in dental clinics is essential to protect public health and the environment, as dental waste can pose significant risks to patients, professionals, and ecosystems. Despite global concerns about dental waste management, there is limited evidence on the issue in Ethiopia, highlighting the need for local studies. Objective: To assess practices of solid dental waste management practice and associated factors among private dental clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2024 to August 2024 in 222 randomly selected private dental clinics across four sub-cities of Addis Ababa. A total of 222 Dental Licensed Holder (Licensed Officer) participated, and their knowledge of SWM practices was assessed. Both observation checklists and structured interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on SWM practices and knowledge levels based on the 2021 Ethiopian Healthcare Waste Management Guideline. Trained professionals gathered the data, which were analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with SWM practices, with variables from bivariable analysis (p ≤ 0.25) included in the multivariable model; significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 222 clinics, 124 (55.9%, 95% CI: 49.5–62.8%) demonstrated good SWM practices, with 156 (70.3%) segregating waste at the point of generation and 130 (58.6%) having functional incinerators. However, only 76 (34.2%) documented waste disposal, and 83 (37.4%) had a waste management plan. Dental Licensed Holders (Licensed Officers) in 148 (66.7%) clinics had poor knowledge scores (<60%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that clinics in one of the sub cities (AOR = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.000–0.107, p = 0.003) and those with Dental Licensed Holders (Licensed Officers) having 16–20 years of experience (AOR = 0.014, 95% CI: 0.000–0.802, p = 0.039) had lower odds of good practices compared to Yeka sub-city and holders with >20 years of experience, respectively. Non-segregation of waste streams reduced odds of good practices (AOR = 0.021, 95% CI: 0.001–0.752, p = 0.034), while without labeling waste containers (AOR = 10.198, 95% CI: 3.25–39.76, p = 0.008) and safe transportation with spills/leaks (AOR = 11.530, 95% CI: 3.50–47.12, p = 0.013) increased odds. Conclusion: The level of solid waste management practice among private dental clinics in Addis Ababa was below the expected national standard (55.9%), rated “yellow” by Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority criteria. Limited documentation, poor knowledge, and weak segregation systems were the main challenges. Strengthening regulatory supervision, regular staff training, and enforcing written waste management plans are essential to improve dental waste management and protect community health