Mathematical-statistical models of generated hazardous hospital solid waste

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Waste Management

Background:

• Hospitals in Irbid, Jordan, generate hazardous waste, but collection processes do not separate hazardous from non-hazardous materials.
• Three hospitals (Princess Basma, Princess Bade'ah, Ibn Al-Nafis) were studied to assess waste generation and management practices.
• Current waste disposal methods in these hospitals do not align with international standards for reducing health and environmental risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify solid waste generation rates (kg/patient/day, kg/bed/day) in three Jordanian hospitals.
• To compare waste generation rates with European hospitals.
• To develop statistical models for predicting hospital waste quantities based on significant factors.

Main Methods:

• Data collection on solid waste amounts from different hospital divisions.
• Determination of waste generation rates per patient and per bed.
• Statistical analysis, including multiple regression, to identify factors influencing waste generation and to estimate waste quantities from specific divisions.

Main Results:

• Waste generation rates were determined for public, teaching, and private hospitals.
• Comparison with European hospitals indicated a need for improved waste management practices.
• Statistical models identified patient numbers, bed counts, and hospital type as significant predictors of waste quantity.

Conclusions:

• The current hospital waste management system in Irbid needs significant revision.
• Improved separation and disposal methods are crucial to mitigate health and environmental risks.
• Predictive models can aid in optimizing waste management strategies based on hospital characteristics and patient load.