Knowledge and management practices for disposable baby diapers among child caregivers in informal urban settlements in Uganda

Abstract

ABSTRACT Proper handling of child faeces is essential in reducing exposure to pathogens in homes and the environment. The exponential rise in usage of disposable baby diapers requires understanding of caregivers' knowledge and management practices of disposable diapers. We interviewed 230 caregivers of under-five children in an informal settlement in Uganda about their knowledge and practices on used disposable baby diaper management and used logistic regression to assess factors associated with proper management of used diapers. Only 36.5% (84) of caregivers had high knowledge of proper used diaper management practices, and this was associated with having a child ≤12 months [Prevalence Ratio, PR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.04-3.01] and having tertiary education [PR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.12-3.92]. Most caregivers (63.5%, 146) indicated that diapers can be mixed with other general waste. Among the 173 who stored diapers before disposal, 83.2% (144) used polythene bags for storage. Overall, only 49.1% (113) caregivers had proper diaper waste management practices, which was inversely associated with having a young child (≤12 months) [PR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.48–0.95]. Findings highlight deficiencies in knowledge and diaper management practices and underscore the need to intensify awareness and education programmes on the best used diaper management practices.