1057 - Global Advocacy to Stop Surgical Smoke: Focus on Africa

Overview/Abstract: Title: Global Advocacy to Stop Surgical Smoke: What Do We Currently Know, and Where Do We Stand in Africa?

Surgical smoke poses serious health risks to operating room staff and patients during procedures involving energy-generating devices or lasers. While advocacy for smoke-free operating rooms and legislation is gaining momentum in developed countries, such efforts remain inconsistent across African healthcare systems. This study surveyed 218 respondents across 11 African countries to assess awareness, safety practices, and policy adherence related to surgical smoke.

Findings revealed significant regional disparities. West Africa (83.9% of respondents) showed higher awareness and variable safety practices. East Africa had relatively higher safety scores, whereas Northern and Southern regions lagged, primarily due to limited resources, inadequate training, and weak policy enforcement. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.37) was found between government involvement and the adoption of safety measures.

The study identified major challenges, including lack of smoke evacuation equipment, insufficient institutional support, and absence of region-specific policies. These barriers hinder effective surgical smoke management and occupational safety improvements.

To address these issues, the study advocates a multi-pronged strategy emphasizing increased governmental involvement, standardized training, and enforceable legislation to ensure the uniform application of surgical smoke safety measures across the continent. Targeted advocacy and empirical research are essential to inform policy and strengthen global efforts to mitigate the hazards of surgical smoke in African healthcare settings.

Keywords: Surgical smoke safety, occupational hazards, policy adoption, African healthcare, regional disparities, government support, safety practices.