Analysis of the Relationship between the Number of Patients Receiving Services and the Amount of Infectious Waste Generated at the University of Phayao Dental Hospital

Abstract

This study aimed to 1) examine the amount of infectious waste generated by each clinic within the Dental Hospital, University of Phayao; 2) investigate the number of patients receiving services at each clinic; and 3) analyze the relationship between the number of patients and the amount of infectious waste produced. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were collected between August 2024 and January 2025 via the HOSxP hospital information system and infectious waste records in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines. Correlation analysis was conducted using Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation coefficients, depending on the normality of the data. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between the number of patients and the amount of infectious waste (r = 0.829, p = 0.042), which was statistically significant. These findings suggest that the amount of infectious waste in dental clinics is influenced not only by the number of patients but also by the nature of the procedures, the types of materials used, and the waste management practices of each clinic. This study provides valuable insights for designing effective infectious waste management systems tailored to the specific context of each clinic. This study also supports the development of efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly waste management practices and highlights the need for further research with larger and more diverse datasets.