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Presenting and Prioritizing Strategies for Managing Healthcare Waste in Kermanshah and Varzaqan-Ahar Earthquakes using SWOT and QSPM Approaches

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Opinion | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2834-8087/039

Presenting and Prioritizing Strategies for Managing Healthcare Waste in Kermanshah and Varzaqan-Ahar Earthquakes using SWOT and QSPM Approaches

  • Sadegh Kazemi

Associate Professor of Health Education and Promotion School of Public Health Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences.

*Corresponding Author: Sadegh Kazemi, Associate Professor of Health Education and Promotion School of Public Health Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences

Citation: Sadegh Kazemi, (2025), Presenting and Prioritizing Strategies for Managing Healthcare Waste in Kermanshah and Varzaqan-Ahar Earthquakes using SWOT and QSPM Approaches, Archives of Clinical Investigation, 4(2); DOI:10.31579/2834-8087/039

Copyright: © 2025, Sadegh Kazemi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Received: 07 March 2025 | Accepted: 17 March 2025 | Published: 25 March 2025

Keywords:

Abstract

Introduction:

Managing the challenges of healthcare waste produced after the earthquake is a vital issue. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive management plan for healthcare waste in Kermanshah and Varzaqan-Ahar earthquakes using two models: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM). Materials and Methods: The present qualitative study was conducted through a content analysis approach using semi-structured interviews and a purposive selection of 16 experienced experts and managers in the field of healthcare waste management in an earthquake in 2021-2022. After recording and transcribing data, data analysis was done in MAXQDA software (version 18). Lincoln and Goba criteria were used to check the reliability of the data. The statements (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of waste management) were summarized for each main category in the SWOT classification. Strategies for improving healthcare waste management were presented by comparing internal and external factors. Finally, the attractiveness table was compiled and weighted using the QSPM method for prioritizing strategies.

Results:

The study found 18 strengths, 24 weaknesses, 18 opportunities, and 19 threats. The final scores for internal and external factors of healthcare waste management in earthquakes were 2.38 and 2.3, respectively. A total of 12 strategies were developed based on the findings. Finally, the strategy of "optimal use of the opinions provided by managers, researchers, and experts interested in the field of waste management for the development of guidelines and national regulations for the management of healthcare waste in an earthquake" was prioritized to be implemented based on the QSPM matrix

Conclusion:

The strategic priorities identified in this study are important steps towards achieving sustainable development goals and protecting public health and the environment in disaster situations. Moreover, using QSPM and SWOT models helps to provide appropriate solutions for improving the management of healthcare waste in earthquakes.

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