Knowledge, attitude and practices of biomedical waste management among health care personnel in selected primary health care centres in Lucknow

Abstract

Background: Lack of adequate knowledge regarding bio-medical waste management leads to health risks as well as environment apprehension. Proper handling and disposal of bio-medical waste is therefore very important. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of bio-medical waste management among the health care personnel in selected primary health care centres in Lucknow. Methods: This was a Cross-Sectional study conducted among health care personnel working at the Primary Health Centres. A total of 89 health care personnel comprising of doctors, nurses, health workers, laboratory technicians, pharmacists and class IV workers were interviewed with a pre-designed and pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: About 35.0% of the staff nurses, 56.2% of paramedical staff and none of the class IV workers had complete knowledge about colour coding and segregation of bio medical waste. As compared to other health care personal, only 18.8% of class IV workers had heard about universal precautions, while 45.4% were concerned about needle stick injury. None of the class IV workers had ever received training for BMW management. Proportion of staff nurses, paramedical staff and class IV immunized for Hep B Vaccine was 50%, 21.8% and 9.1% respectively. Conclusions: The study revealed lack of knowledge and awareness about bio-medical waste management amongst primary healthcare workers which results in inadequate handling and management, thereby exposing them as well as the general public to health and environmental hazards.