Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management among Health Care Personnel: A Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Waste generated due to health care practice is a subset of hazardous biomedical waste (BMW). Health care practices generate large amounts of cotton, plastic, latex, glass, sharps, extracted teeth, and other materials, which may be contaminated with body fluids. Objectives The objectives are to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices of health care personnel regarding BMW management and to determine awareness regarding needle-stick injury among different categories of health care professionals. Materials and methods The present cross-sectional study includes health care personnel in A.C.P.M. Dental College, Dhule, Maharashtra, India. A structured, self-administered questionnaire consisting of 15 closed-ended questions was employed to 100 staff (nurses, lab technicians, and class IV employees). Among all, 80 responded and willingly participated in the survey and filled the questionnaire. Results The results of the present study showed that there is remarkable difference between the knowledge, attitude, and practices of nurses, laboratory technicians, and class IV employees regarding BMW management. Also, there is lack of awareness regarding needle-stick injuries. Conclusion Present study showed lack of knowledge and awareness toward BMW management. As a consequence, there is an inappropriate practice of BMW handling and management, thus exposing themselves and the general public to health and environment hazards. How to cite this article Prashanth VK, Jadhav HC, Dodamani AS, Dodamani GA, Kshirsagar MM, Vishwakarma AP. Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management among Health Care Personnel: A Cross-sectional Survey. J Oral Health Comm Dent 2017;11(1):8-12.