BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT: AN ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN RURAL TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Bio-medical waste (BMW) comprises the waste which is generated from the health care system during the process of health care delivery. Inappropriate and inefficient management & disposal of BMW can lead to infectious hazards, malignancies, malformations and environmental (air, land &water) pollution-not only to current generation but also for future generations. In order to improve medical waste management, it is important to understand and evaluate the current practices in medical waste management, to identify the gaps and to address them. The present study had been taken up to assess the biomedical waste management in healthcare facility and to recommend measures for improvement based on the findings of the study.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This observational, descriptive, hospital based study over a period of 1 month from 1st of April 2023 to 30th April2023.The study group comprised of health care workers who included Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Technicians and Housekeeping staff. Data was collected using a pre-designed, structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge,
attitude, and practices on various aspects of BMW.RESULTS: 400 participants including 150 doctors of different specialties, 170 nurses, 30 laboratory technicians and rest were housekeeping staff 50. Analysis of the compiled results showed that doctors, nurses and Laboratory technician were having better knowledge, attitude and practice of the waste management rules and guidelines. The knowledge among housekeeping staff was found to be lacking.
CONCLUSIONS &RECOMMENDATIONS: Repeated and comprehensive training programs should be arranged on BMWM. Functional Biomedical waste management Committee should supervise and monitor safe biomedical waste management. Biomedical waste audit is necessary to evaluate the patient care areas but also to find out the weak links and small hindrances.