Knowledge and attitude toward the practice of circular economy in conjunction with biomedical waste management among dental practitioners and technicians in Belagavi, India

Abstract

Objectives: Circular economy promotes resource sustainability and has a positive impact on the environment. It helps in the sustainable use of biomedical waste (BMW) that is generated in dental care facilities and laboratories. This article assesses the knowledge and attitude toward the practice of circular economy in conjunction with BMW management among dental practitioners and technicians. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design. Based on the findings from the pilot study, the sample size was estimated and 640 total participants were included. Reliability of the questionnaire comprising of 23 close-ended questions were assessed with Cronbach’s α value of 0.85, face validity of 84%, and content validity ratio of 0.78. Statistical Analysis: Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square test, analysis of variance test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression. Results: Mean overall knowledge score was highest among faculty (5.28 T 1.53) and least among technicians (1.88 T 0.84). There was a statistically significant difference in knowledge among the five groups (p < 0.001). Majority of the participants had a positive attitude toward circular economy; however, technicians had the least mean overall attitude scores (7.50 T 1.84). A positive linear correlation was seen between the knowledge and attitude scores. The dependence of various demographic variables on knowledge and attitude was found to be 46.1 and 11.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Dental faculty had significantly higher knowledge compared with other dental practitioners and technicians. However, knowledge on circular economy was below the optimal level among the participants, but all had predominantly favorable attitude toward circular economy.