Disposable Baby Diaper Consumption and Disposal Practice of Caregivers in Ethiopia: A Community-Based Convergent Mixed-Methods Study

Purpose The purpose of this study is to estimate the disposable baby diaper consumption and disposal practice of caregivers in Ethiopia, where improper disposal practices are frequently caused by a lack of monitoring, education, and awareness about environmental and health risks, by estimating mothers’ and caregivers’ diaper consumption and disposal practices. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study using a convergent mixed-methods design was conducted on 399 mothers of children in the diaper-wearing period at Shambu Town from May 01 to July 10, 2024. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). Descriptive analysis and binary multivariable logistic regression were used to analyse the association between independent variables and outcome variables, with p-values < 0.05 indicating statistical significance. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis by transcribing responses and organising them in themes. Results The study findings revealed that only 10.3% (95% CI: (7.3% - 13.3%)) of the mothers or caregivers had good practices of soiled diaper disposal. Over half (239, 59.9%) dispose of it by dumping it into an open field, followed by burning or burying (88, 22.1%). About 86.5% of mothers or caregivers store used diapers before disposal, and three-fourths of them store them for a 4-to-7-days, using sacks (55.1%), and polythene bags (21.7%). Over 84.2% of mothers and caregivers do not separate used diapers from the household waste. Logistic regression analysis shows the age of the caregiver, the age of the child, the employment status of caregivers, and family size were significantly associated with the practice of proper soiled diaper disposal. Conclusions The study revealed that while most mothers have good knowledge on proper soiled diaper disposal, only one out of ten follow proper disposal practices, with age, family size, and employment status significantly influencing this. Diaper waste management programs are needed to address growing consumption in urban Africa. Ensuring safe, soiled diaper disposal procedures and addressing frequent obstacles to proper disposal in low- and middle-income countries are essential to reducing health and environmental concerns.