Objective: To describe medical solid waste segregation practices among nurses and midwives at the National Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2025.
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 229 nurses and midwives working in clinical departments and centers. Medical solid waste segregation practices were assessed using an observation checklist based on Circular 20/2021/TT-BYT of the Ministry of Health.
Results: The overall rate of medical solid waste segregation practice was 98.3%. The proportion of segregation immediately after waste generation was 100.0% across all observed waste categories. The proportion of correct segregation into designated bins/containers ranged from 98.1% to 100.0%; specifically, non-infectious hazardous waste and recyclable general waste were both 100.0%, infectious sharps 99.5%, non-recyclable general waste 99.1%, and non-sharp infectious waste had the lowest proportion at 98.1%..
Conclusion: Medical solid waste segregation practices among nurses and midwives were generally at a high level. However, some instances of incorrect segregation were still observed, primarily involving non-sharp infectious waste. Therefore, continued monitoring and periodic training are needed to reinforce correct waste segregation practices..