Awareness of biomedical waste management among health-care workers at a tertiary hospital of Kolkata, India: How much are they acquainted with the good practices?

Abstract

Background: Enormous volume of biomedical waste (BMW) is generated in health-care facilities with threat of multiple adverse consequences to human and environment. Proper BMW management is of utmost importance to get rid of those adverse effects. Methods: This institution-based cross-sectional study, conducted between 1 February 2020 and 31 March 2020, among 151 health care workers (HCWs) (80 junior doctors and 71 nursing staff) was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice about BMW management among health-care workers (HCWs) at a tertiary hospital at Kolkata. Results: All the nursing staff and 92.5% of junior doctors could identify biohazard symbol. About three-fourth of junior doctors were aware of the categories of BMW, while only 47.8% of nursing staff knew this. Only half of the HCWs knew the four colour-coded bags. About 79.5% of the HCWs knew the use of hub cutters. About three-fourth of the HCWs used colour-coded bags correctly while 90% used white puncture-proof containers for sharps. Only one-third of the HCWs were trained on BMW management. There were no significant differences in knowledge and practice scores among the two groups. Conclusions: The HCWs lacked in appropriate knowledge and practices on BMW management. BMW management rules should be strictly implemented through periodic training and monitoring of HCWs.