Abstract
This study investigates improper discharge mechanisms of regulated biomedical wastes (RBMW) from small-scale clinics. In particular, the study statistically analyzes areas such as risk perception, level of inconvenience, perceived difficulty, and perceived container volume, coupled with RBMW container inspections to validate five hypotheses. Risk perception was quantitatively scored using Scheffé’s pairwise comparison method, modified by Nakaya (Scheffé–Nakaya model). This study reveals that staff at certain small clinics where improper discharges have occurred hold fewer concerns regarding container conditions and the disposal process. Statistical analysis, Welch’s t-test, Brunner-Munzel test, Fisher’s exact test, and Kendall rank correlation coefficient propose that the impacts of risk perception, level of inconvenience, and perceived difficulty on improper discharge behaviors were negligible. RBMW container contamination causes an aversion that influences staff to sead the lid using their foot which can lead to improper sealing. When waste separation is perceived to be difficult, it can lead to carelessness when disposing into containers and can eventually lead to container deformation. A container capacity smaller than what is required for the volume causes over-packing, which also leads to improper discharge issues like waste overflow and damage to the container.
