Disposal of solid health waste generated by insulin users at home, Alto José do Pinho, Recife-PE

Abstract

This work aimed to analyze the way of disposing of Solid Waste in Health (RSS), produced by insulin users at home; Identifying this population, describing the way that users dispose of their syringes and needles, highlighting the problems that can lead to the disposal of this material in common garbage, highlighting the importance of making the correct disposal. 25 users were interviewed, of both sexes being more prevalent among women; the age of these users ranged from 48 years to 92 years. The most frequent age group was 60 to 69 years old, representing 52%, followed by the age group 70 to 79, corresponding to 24%. The study was descriptive analytical by qualitative-quantitative approach. The interviews for data collection were through home visits, to insulin addicts from the community of Alto José do Pinho, Recife, Brazil. In this study, 64% of users who answered the questionnaire, dispose of the waste in ordinary garbage; while 36% store this waste in a PET bottle type container and take it to the nearest health facility. 60% of users reuse syringes. The duration of insulin therapy ranged from 6 months to 45 years, with most users having more than 10 years of use. The incorrect management of Solid Waste in Health (RSS), generated at home, causes environmental impacts, as well as directly or indirectly health problems to the population.