KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES 2016 AMONG HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Abstract

Introduction: Bio-medical waste” (BMW)is a term which means any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological or in health camps including the categories mentioned in Schedule I appended to these rules1.BMWM rules were made in 1998, and revised in 2016 which includes 18 rules ,04 schedules and 05 forms, in our hospital, health care personnel too needed to reinforce the revised BMWM 2016 guidelines. Our aim of this study is to determine the existing knowledge, awareness and practice about the BMWM rules 2016 in this tertiary care hospital. Material and Method: This study was an cross-sectional study conducted with a duration of 3 months from October 2018 to January 2019 in a tertiary care hospital, Rajasthan, India. A total of 150 healthcare personnel which include 75 doctors (36 senior residents and 39 junior residents), 40 nurses and 35 laboratory technicians consented for interview and observations. Result: We found out that technicians (89.95%) and nurses (88.87%) have more knowledge regarding BMWM then doctors(85.82%). But doctors (82.20%) are more aware for proper management than nurses (73.80%) and technicians (64.0%). Doctors(80.87%) and nurses (82%) are practicing these norms more than technicians(59%). Conclusion: This study shows that Doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians all had knowledge and awareness regarding revision of biomedical waste management rules in 2016, but laboratory technicians are lagging in practicing them. Strong implementations of rules should be followed in institution and regular training should be held for staff. Keywords: BMWM (bio medical waste management), knowledge, awareness, practice, healthcare workers.