Integrating Technology-Driven Database System into Infectious Waste Management for Resource-Limited Settings.

Abstract

The rise in infectious waste during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical challenges in Thailand's waste management systems, particularly within sub-district public health facilities. This study aimed to develop and implement an infectious waste management database system for 14 Sub-District Health Promoting Hospitals (HPHs) in Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province. Using a Research and Development (R&D) model and the knowledge-attitudes-practices (KAP) model to understand behaviors. The development phase engaged 145 community caregivers, of whom 95.17% were female and 74.48% aged between 30-59 years. Results showed that 56.55% of participants had a high knowledge of infectious waste management, while 42.76% expressed a high level of positive attitudes. In terms of behavior, 37.93% demonstrated high compliance with appropriate waste handling practices. Data derived from KAP, and interviews were used as the main inputs to develop the database system. The system included real-time dashboards, GPS-tagged data inputs, automated alerts, and data visualization tools using Microsoft Excel and Power BI. This research offers a scalable digital solution for enhancing infectious waste management, particularly in resource-limited community health settings.