Abstract

Modern consumer culture has exacerbated the healthcare waste problem by encouraging the use of single-use items that are intended for one-time use and then discarded as waste. BMW's improper handling of and exposure to such waste pose a significant threat to patients and staff who handle them, as well as adverse impacts on the environment and public health. The serious health hazards posed by poor management of biomedical waste to hospital staff, rag pickers, community employees and the community. Methodology: A pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which included the following components: socio-demographic profile of participants (age, sex, education, total family income, etc.), knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding BMW generation, segregation, and disposal, as well as knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding BMW management rules. Results: Only 25% of class 4 workers knew about the different categories of biomedical waste, whereas all nursing staff participants had knowledge of it. Knowledge of BMW management rules was present among only 25% of class 4 workers and 50% of paramedical workers. Around 80% of nursing staff knew about the storage of BMW, while 67% of paramedical workers had knowledge of it. Both nursing staff and paramedical workers had complete knowledge of the color-coding system of biomedical waste. In terms of universal precautions, 80% of nursing staff were aware of it, while 84% of paramedical workers had knowledge about universal precautions. Only 25% of class 4 workers had knowledge of BMW disposal, universal precautions, and diseases transmitted by BMW. Concerning teamwork, 80% of nursing staff participants agreed that BMW management is a team effort, while only 25% of class 4 staff participants shared this view. In terms of extra burden of work, 60% of nursing staff, 84% of paramedical staff, and 75% of class 4 staff believed that BMW management creates extra workload for them. All the nursing staff complied with recapping procedure after using needles, discard used needles in needle Cutter, disposal of BMW in specified colour coded containers and reporting sharp injuries, while half of the paramedical staff did comply with appropriate practice as accepted. only 25 % of class 4 study participants were vaccinated for Hepatitis B vaccination. Conclusion: Results showed that overall, the Nursing staff demonstrated favorable levels in all three aspects. However, the Class 4 employees exhibited favorable knowledge but their attitude and practices did not align with their level of knowledge. Similarly, the Paramedical workers showed favorable knowledge and attitude, but their implementation of practices in relation to Biomedical waste management was inadequate

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