Assessment of the status of solid waste management in the villages of Maku city and determination of awareness of health cares providers and practitioners in this regard

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the overall status of rural waste management in several villages of Maku city in northwest of Iran. Finally، by reforming the education system، rural waste management authorities can be more efficient and capable. Methods The methodology of this study is descriptive-analytic. The statistical population consisted of health workers (Behvarz) in 20 villages in Maku city. After obtaining the permit، the information was completed by checklists and field observations at health centers. Results The results of the waste management survey showed Waste incineration (55%)، sanitary landfill (40%) and dumping (5%) are the most commonly used method for waste disposal in this area. Outside incineration as well as the final disposal methods in the area is major concern for the health and environment. The correct point about landfills was their proper distance from residential areas in 88% of the cases، but in the overall evaluation، the landfills in 65% of the cases lacked health criteria. Only 5% of the transportation and waste collection vehicle was standard in the area، and since the ownership of 73% of these vehicles are governmental، so the role of the government in this subject seems important. Compared to other sectors، status of medical (health care) waste management in the region was appropriate. Regarding the knowledge and information of health workers and village managers about various issues of waste management the average percentage of correct answers of health workers and village managers to the questions raised in this field was 68.4% and 59%. Information Level of man (68%) health workers was higer than Information Level of woman (66%). knowledge and information of Health workers and village managers about waste management (84%) and Waste collection (68%) were more than other issues. The shortcomings observed in reviewing the educational content provided to health workers are as follows: There is no exact information on how to manage animal waste. Issues related to sanitary landfill standards and their conditions and waste collection need to be completed. Sanitary waste management issues need to be updated and finally، the topic of waste processing should be added to the health workers educational content. Keywords: Solid Waste Management، Rural areas، Maku، Awareness، Education، Environmental Health