Knowledge, attitude and practices on biomedical waste and its management among health care workers at a tertiary care hospital in Koppal, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Biomedical waste carries a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste. Inadequate and inappropriate handling of such waste may have serious public health consequences and a significant impact on the environment. Health care workers are the key workers in the management of biomedical waste and their inadequate knowledge, unfavorable attitude and poor practices are dangerous for their own health and those in the society. The objective of the present study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices on biomedical waste and its management among health care workers in the study setting. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 162 health care workers at a tertiary care hospital in Koppal district of Karnataka state. Data was collected using a pretested and semi structured questionnaire after taking an informed consent and analysed using WHO Epi info software. Results: The present study found out that the health care workers had satisfactory level of knowledge, favorable attitude and better practices towards biomedical waste management. However, their practices were not in proportion to the level of their knowledge and attitude. Conclusions: Regular training, continuous monitoring and behaviour change communication are recommended to improve their biomedical waste handling practices.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Undergraduate and Intern Saudi Nursing Students Regarding Biomedical Waste Management and Influencing Factors

“…The findings are also parallel with many studies conducted among nurses/healthcare providers. For instance, Mane et al, (2016) detected that majority of the nurses were unaware about the risks linked with biomedical waste which comply to the findings of Sharma et al, (2013) who showed a lack of knowledge and awareness towards BMW among the participants. Similarly, Rajput et al, (2016) reported, most nurses did not know the exact number of color-coded containers needed for biomedical waste management.…”

“…Therefore, attention should be directed toward teaching and training nursing students and nurses for BMWM. Many studies pointed to the obligation of providing regular educational intervention and awareness or all health care personnel as a mean strategy for practical BMWM (Rao et al, 2018;Mane et al, 2016;Mathur, 2011Mathur, , 2012. Training could inspire motivation and change in mindset of all the healthcare personnel, specifically those in the junior level.…”

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice about Biomedical Waste Management and Associated Factors among the Healthcare Professionals at Debre Markos Town Healthcare Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia

“…However, in this study, hepatitis B virus vaccination was low (30.7%) as the level of occupational exposure among HCPs is high. It is extremely low compared to 85.8% and 95% studies conducted in India and Iran, respectively [ 13 , 36 ]. Unavailability and cost of the vaccine could be the possible causes for low vaccination status of HCPs in the current study.…”

“…Generation and disposal of BMWs have become an emerging problem worldwide [ 8 ]. It has become a major cause of concern for HCFs and the environment [ 12 , 13 ]. According to the World Health Organization report, 10–25% of the BMW was estimated to be hazardous [ 2 ].…”

“…A systematic review of 150 articles published since 2000 revealed that at least 50% of the world population is threatened by public health risks due to mismanagement of BMWs [ 25 ]. This is because any carelessness of BMWM can spread infections and contaminate the entire environment [ 13 ]. All individuals, particularly healthcare professionals (HCPs), who are on the first line of contact are potentially at risk [ 26 ].…”