Biomedical Waste Disposal Research Articles

Efficient Biomedical Waste Management: Optimizing Segmentation and Classification with EnU-Net-DNN-BMWC

<p style="margin-bottom:8px;text-align:justify;"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;font-size:12.0pt;line-height:200%;tab-stops:0in 21.3pt;">In India, biomedical waste (BMW) management is governed by strict regulations to mitigate health and environmental risks. It includes materials such as sharps, infectious wastes, pharmaceuticals, and non-hazardous items contaminated with potentially infectious substances. Proper management and disposal of BMW are critical to prevent environmental contamination and health risks.  This article introduces an Enhanced U-Network (EnU-Net) integrated with Deep Neural Network BMW Classification (EnU-Net-DNN-BMWC) to enhance accuracy in this critical task. Leveraging the U-Net framework with an Encoder-Decoder Network (EDN) and pixel-wise classification layer initially optimizes image segmentation. Bayesian functions mitigate segmentation uncertainties, while Content-Sensitive Sampling (CSS) refines pixel sampling to prioritize data-sparse regions. Data collected from G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital and Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) in Coimbatore over six months, categorizing sharps, infectious materials, pharmaceuticals, and non-hazardous waste, informs waste management strategies. Experimental validation using 100 biomedical waste images demonstrates EnU-Net-DNN-BMWC achieving good accuracy, surpassing standalone DNN-BMWC using Matlab 2022. The comparative analysis across different metrics such as accuracy, precision, F-measure, recall, error rate, and RMSE between DNN-BMWC and the proposed EnU-Net-DNN-BMWC framework were evaluated in this study, highlighting EnU-Net-DNN-BMWC's superior performance. Finally, this study underscores EnU-Net-DNN-BMWC’s efficacy in enhancing biomedical waste classification, crucial for sustainable waste management practices and regulatory compliance in healthcare settings.</span></p>

Hands-On And Mobile App-Based Training Of Second Phase MBBS Students Regarding Blood Sample Collection For Routine Tests And Culture

Background Aseptic measures during blood sampling should be strictly enforced as identification of the true pathogen can act as life-saving measure in patients. Contamination during collection can produce erroneous results which can lead to unnecessary antibiotic usage. Thus, adequate training must be imparted so that the MBBS students can learn the correct technique and develop appropriate skills. This pre-post interventional study thus assessed the students’ and faculties’perception on venous blood sampling through hands on exercises on a simulated model and learning through digital module among MBBS students. Methodology The knowledge of the students was assessed through a questionnaire while practical skills through OSPE using a pre-validated checklist in the pre-intervention phase. The intervention comprised of students being trained in small batches regarding blood sample collection on a mannequin followed by biomedical waste disposal and spillage management. A digital intervention module for self-directed learning was shared with the students to reinforce their learning. This was followed by post interventional assessment of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Results Paired sample t-test showed a statistically significant improvement in the knowledge scores and OSPE skills in the post-intervention phase. About 91% students opined that they were well trained. All the faculty opined that this training was immensely useful to students for future practical applications. Conclusion The current study demonstrated effectiveness of intervention among the medical students under the new curriculum through hands-on and digital module-based training on accurate blood sampling procedure.

Assessment of bio-medical waste disposal techniques using interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy soft set based EDAS method

Selecting an optimum technique for disposing of biomedical waste is a frequently observed obstacle in multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems. The MAGDM is commonly applied to tackle decision-making states originated by obscurity and vagueness. The interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy soft set is a novel variant of fuzzy sets. The main objective of this study is to introduce the interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy soft Einstein-ordered weighted and Einstein hybrid weighted aggregation operators. Based on developed aggregation operators, a novel decision-making approach, the Evaluation based on the Distance from the Average Solution introduced to solve the MAGDM problem. The execution of the proposed approach demonstrates the significant impact of determining the most effective strategy to handle biomedical waste. Our proposed approach's practicality is confirmed by a case study focusing on selecting the most effective technique for Biomedical Waste (BMW) treatment. This study shows that autoclaving is the most effective method for the disposal of BMW. Comparative and sensitivity analysis confirms the consistency and effectiveness of our methodology. The comparative study indicates the effects of the proposed strategy are more feasible and realistic than the prevailing techniques.

Biomedical Waste Management: A Study on the Awareness and Practice among Dental Healthcare Workers in India

ABSTRACT Background: Biomedical waste includes waste products generated from medical procedures within healthcare centers, research facilities, diagnostic laboratories, and treatment procedures, immunization process of humans as well as animals from the production and testing of biological substances. Management and disposal of biomedical waste should be done using safe as well as proper methods. These methods should be known as well as practiced by all healthcare professionals for reducing transmission of different infections and prevention of different types of health as well as environment-associated hazards. Aim: The aim of the present study was to analyze knowledge, awareness, and practice of the management of generated biomedical waste among dental undergraduate students in India. Materials and Methods: This randomized cross-sectional study was carried out on a total of 450 dental undergraduate students after obtaining the institutional ethical committee clearance. The questionnaire included details of sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, religion, and caste), knowledge, awareness, and attitude regarding handling as well as management of biomedical waste in healthcare settings. Data collection was done for a period of 1 month. Results and Observations: On assessing knowledge regarding the generation of biomedical waste along with legislation, it was observed that only 10.19% of dentistry students had an excellent level of knowledge regarding generation as well as legislation concerned with biomedical waste, whereas only 2.03% of undergraduate dental students possessed an extremely poor level of knowledge. On analyzing awareness concerning practices of waste regulation and management, it was observed that only 6% of dental undergraduate students had “excellent” level of knowledge concerning the practice of biomedical waste management. On analyzing the attitude of dental students toward the management of biomedical, it was observed that 29.1% possessed a poor attitude regarding the issue of proper biomedical waste management. Conclusion: In the present study, it was observed that the majority of dental students pursuing undergraduate courses did not have adequate knowledge, attitude, and awareness regarding the practice of adequate biomedical waste management and disposal.

Biomedical waste management in dental practice during the COVID-19: A questionnaire survey and a narrative review

Background: Environmental hazards have been a highly debated topic worldwide for a considerable time. During the pandemic, the benefits of environmental cleanliness in terms of increased water quality, air quality, has been reported oftentimes. However, the generation of biomedical waste comprising health care worker utilities such as masks, and gloves, has increased and this increase is calculated in terms of alarming statistics which shows 10 fold higher prediction of Biomedical waste than before. Recent studies by researchers support a cleaner environment; however, an equally increasing amount of biomedical waste generated needs to be monitored strictly alongside stringent regulations for safe disposal of biomedical waste which to be instilled in the mind of the general public. Materials and Methods: Databases like Pubmed and Google scholar were systematically searched for articles with the specific keywords “biomedical waste management in dental practice” which identified 17 articles on 13/09.2020 where filters were applied and restricted to 2020. A detailed analysis of the 17 articles was done and few articles were considered in this narrative review. Results: Our survey results show that the generation of biomedical waste and the awareness of the dental fraternity is very less, almost 41% don’t know the amount of waste generated in India. Conclusion: Amid growing COVID-19 disease incidence, a day-to-day assessment of biomedical waste generation with individual social responsibility is a dire need of the hour to combat and overcome the disease.

Variability of the treated biomedical waste disposal behaviours during the COVID lockdowns.

Literature review suggests that studies on biomedical waste generation and disposal behaviors in North America are limited. Given the infectious nature of the materials, effective biomedical waste management is vital to the public health and safety of the residents. This study explicitly examines seasonal variations of treated biomedical waste (TBMW) disposal rates in the City of Regina, Canada, from 2013 to 2022. Immediately before the onset of COVID-19, the City exhibited a steady pattern of TBMW disposal rate at about 6.6kg∙capita-1∙year-1. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdowns brought about an abrupt and persistent decline in TBMW disposal rates. Inconsistent fluctuations in both magnitude and variability of the monthly TBMW load weights were also observed. The TBMW load weight became particularly variable in 2020, with an interquartile range 4 times higher than 2019. The average TBMW load weight was also the lowest (5.1 tonnes∙month-1∙truckload-1) in 2020, possibly due to an overall decline in non-COVID-19 medical emergencies, cancellation of elective surgeries, and availability of telehealth options to residents. In general, the TBMW disposal rates peaked during the summer and fall seasons. The day-to-day TBMW disposal contribution patterns between the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic are similar, with 97.5% of total TBMW being disposed of on fixed days. Results from this Canadian case study indicate that there were observable temporal changes in TBMW disposal behaviors during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Knowledge and practices among nurses and laboratory technicians towards biomedical waste management

Background: Unmanaged sanatorium waste carries a severe threat of nosocomial infections, which are contagious. Improper disposal of biomedical waste poses a significant environmental and health threat to healthcare facilities, staff and communities, highlighting the growing challenges of managing this waste. Aims and Objectives: The study was aimed at evaluating the adequacy of knowledge and practice concerning biomedical waste management amongst nurses and laboratory technicians. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study involving 101 participants, including 50 nurses and 51 laboratory technicians, from June 2022 to 2023, using a validated self-administered Google Form questionnaire. The study used the Chi-square approach to conduct intergroup comparisons amongst nurses and laboratory technicians. Results: Statistically significant P values were found for age, sex, qualification and years of experience in a survey, with the highest qualification being postgraduation (46.5%). However, 45.5% had <1 year of experience, indicating a diverse demographic distribution. Conclusions: Continuous learning and professional development are crucial in healthcare, with tailored interventions addressing knowledge gaps and waste management guidelines, ensuring successful implementation and accessibility for a diverse workforce.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Structured Teaching Programme on Knowledge Regarding Bio Medical Waste Management among Staff Nurses at Integral Hospital Dasauli, Lucknow, U.P

Biomedical Waste Management (BMW) means that any anatomical waste generated during the diagnosis and treatment of the patient or human being. The medical waste that is generated through the hospital causes harmful or toxic effect to the environment. The burning of solid and regulated medical waste generated by health care recreates many problems. In adequate and improper knowledge of handling waste may be have serious health consequences. According to WHO (2011) the inappropriate healthcare waste globally caused 21 million of hepatitis B (virus) and 32 % all new infections. Epidemiological studies indicate that through the improper management of waste had a source of 30 % of HBV infection, 18 % HCV infection & 0.3% of HIV infection. Proper management of biomedical waste is dominant for nurses because nurses spend maximum time with patient and in the ward as compare to any other member in health care team. Nurses have to an aware about the latest guidelines and skills update biomedical waste management to decrease the infection among the patients due to inadequate disposal of biomedical waste management. BACKGROUND: - The amount of biomedical waste being generated in our country is increasing day by day. Biomedical waste if not handled properly can pollute the environment and can spread many harmful diseases. Healthcare workers in our country are still not fully aware about proper biomedical waste management handling and hospital. India as a developing country is facing a lot of health care problem, with the increase in health care facilities; there is a growing concern of hazards of biomedical waste. Since the nursing staff is at the centre of biomedical waste handling, their knowledge of adequate disposal of biomedical waste is important. So, we conducted a study regarding knowledge, attitude and practice of nursing staff working in a premier institute of western Rajasthan with respect to biomedical waste and its management. Proper management of Biomedical Waste (BMW) generated in a healthcare facility is one of the most important functions of a healthcare worker (HCW) as its improper management not only poses risk to 5 human being and environment, but may also invite legal action against HCW as well as hospital administration. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge of Bio Medical Waste Management among Staff Nurses at Integral Hospital, Lucknow. OBJECTIVES: - Objectives of the study are:  To assess the knowledge regarding bio-medical waste management among staff nurses.  To assess the effectiveness of structured teaching program on knowledge regarding biomedical waste management among staff nurses  To find out the association between pre-test and post-test knowledge on Bio-Medical Waste with selected demographic variables among Staff Nurses at Integral Hospital, Lucknow. MATERIALS AND METHODS: - In this research study, the quantitative research approach adopted was pre-experimental, Pre-test and Post-test design setting of the study was selected in Integral Hospital, Lucknow and the sample was 40 Staff Nurses in Integral Hospital are selected by purposive sampling technique, the self-structured questionnaire was used. RESULTS: - The result shows that mean pre-test score and post-test score with standard deviation were 12.58±5.679 and 19.23±1.804 respectively. Based on the findings of the researcher calculated ‘t’ value i.e. 6.643. So the researcher accepted the research hypothesis. The result shows that there was significant association between pre-test and demographic variables. CONCLUSION: - The study concluded that the Structured Teaching Programme was effective in improving the level the knowledge regarding Bio Medical Waste Management.

Sustainable Construction through Waste Transformation: An Investigation into Bricks Made from Biomedical Waste

Abstract: This study explores the innovative use of biomedical waste, including sterilization wrap, plastic syringe components, medical glass, and mixed biomedical waste, as alternative raw materials in the production of sustainable bricks. Given the environmental and health risks associated with the disposal of biomedical waste, repurposing these materials for brick manufacturing presents a viable solution for waste management and sustainability in construction. Through chemical analysis, particle size distribution evaluation, and testing of physical and mechanical properties, this research assesses the feasibility and impact of incorporating various ratios of biomedical waste into bricks. The results indicate that certain biomedical wastes, particularly medical glass, can enhance the bricks' compressive strength and reduce water absorption, making them comparable or superior to traditional bricks. This study not only highlights the potential for reducing landfill use and environmental pollution but also contributes to the development of eco-friendly building materials. Future work will focus on optimizing material mixtures, evaluating long-term performance, and assessing the environmental impact of these sustainable bricks. This research underlines the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing environmental challenges, offering a promising avenue for waste management and sustainable construction practices.

Knowledge and awareness about biomedical waste segregation and disposal among medical and paramedical students at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai

Abstract Introduction: Wastes produced by health-care facilities are unique in terms of generation, composition, treatment, and disposal when compared to other general wastes. Inappropriate handling of biomedical waste (BMW) led to several health risks from sharps injuries, the spread of infections, and the release of toxic substances into the environment. Not many studies throw insight into the difference in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) across medical and paramedical students related to BMW segregation and disposal. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness levels regarding BMW segregation and disposal among medical and paramedical students at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 632 participants, including medical (3rd and 4th years) and paramedical students. The questionnaire assessed their KAP related to BMW management. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and a comparison was made between medical and paramedical students using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The results revealed that medical students (3rd and 4th years) exhibited better KAP in BMW management than paramedical students. Medical students demonstrated a more comprehensive understanding of BMW segregation, disposal methods, and associated health risks. They also displayed a higher level of awareness regarding the importance of proper BMW management for environmental and public health protection. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the need to strengthen educational interventions targeting paramedical students to enhance their understanding of proper BMW management practices.

Reflective writing by medical students on the newly implemented foundation course in MBBS curriculum: An in-depth analysis

Abstract Objective: An analysis of reflective writing by medical students on the newly implemented foundation course under the Competency-based Medical Education (CBME). Materials and Methods: A month-long foundation course was conducted for the newly enrolled Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students by the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. After the program, 150 anonymous reflections were collected from the students. These reflections were evaluated, and common themes were identified using the thematic analysis method. Results: Students were highly appreciative of sessions such as communication and ethics, basic life skills and first aid, vaccination, hand hygiene, biomedical waste disposal, skills labs, yoga and sports, and appreciated how this course helped them seamlessly transition from school to college life and helped ease their anxieties about this significant change in their lives. Campus tours and sessions facilitated by experienced and valued faculty members gave students great insight into the profession and helped familiarize them with the hospital setup. It also made the students more comfortable with the faculty members and better acquainted with each other. Introduction to topics new to them, such as community and family medicine, was greeted with great appreciation. Students also appreciated the free form of reflective writing and how it helped them express their experience in their own words, without restrictions. Students suggested that the duration of the course be shortened or perhaps it occurs simultaneous to their syllabus but also noted that this is a beautiful addition to the curriculum set by NMC. Language sessions are region-specific and need to be validated by other studies. Change is the only constant in our lives, and this change in the curriculum seems to be a positive step toward educating empathetic and wholesome medical professionals of the future generation. Conclusion: Introducing the foundation course under CBME is a revolutionary step toward enhancing our country’s medical education system. Student reflections on the course and its sessions serve as a mirror for us to enhance and refine our curriculum. The reflections analyzed showed a significantly positive response towards the course by the students. Future studies analyzing the impact of foundation courses on their medical school journey would yield exciting insights.

Determinants of the Choice of Biomedical Waste Management Methods in Tertiary Health Facilities in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Improper treatment and disposal of biomedical waste are much more dangerous to the health status of the community and/or health facility than the disease itself. This study therefore assessed factors influencing the choice of biomedical waste management and treatment methods/equipment in use at the Ekiti State tertiary health facilities. The survey questionnaire was used to obtain data from health practitioners of different cadres in the wards and laboratories while the study employed a descriptive research design. Statistical evidence based on ninety-eight purposively selected respondents revealed that all tested factors were significant at 0.01 level as the infectious/hazardous nature of the waste, and cultural and social basis emerged as the most and least influencing factors with 0.831 and 0.597 relative importance indexes, respectively. The study concludes that tested factors inform the choice of biomedical waste handling equipment/methods employed. It is therefore recommended that efforts should not only be geared towards adequate consciousness of these factors by the waste handlers when determining the method to be used, but the government, leadership of healthcare facilities, and health practitioners should also ensure the availability of appropriate management and treatment technologies/methods to inhibit accidental outbreaks of epidemics in the community.

Identifying Sustainable Biomedical Solid Waste Management Practices in the Context of Limited Resources in Selected Healthcare Facilities in Douala Cameroon

Aims: To Identify sustainable Biomedical solid waste management practices in the context of limited resources in selected HCFs in Douala, Cameroon.
 Study Design: A cross-sectional survey with quantitative and qualitative study design was adopted for data collection from workers in the HCFs and also identifying the process of waste management.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the some selected HCFs in the Douala region of Cameroon between January 2023 to June 2023.
 Methodology: Study respondents were working in different sections of the HCFs and comprised of the following categories: doctors, laboratory scientists, cleaners, nurses and administrative/clerical workers. Field visitations and interactions with HCFs officials took place during the random sampling technique which was used in determining the sample size of 200 workers, Out of the sample size of 200 who were given questionnaires in order to provide data for the study, 150 valid mail questionnaires were retrieved and used for analysis. Every questionnaire was verified by validity. There’s also questions related funds, facilities availability, training and personal protective equipment. All of the data were coded and analyzed. The results were calculated based on sums and percentages of variables with SPSS vers.26 software and chi-square analysis with the level significance of p-value less than 0.05 was analyze
 Results: This finding could also indicate that imbibing sustainable biomedical wastes management practices increases with higher experience in the hospital. Furthermore, communal bin disposal of biomedical wastes was the only statistically significant category under disposal method, indicating that waste disposal may be lacking in terms of sustainable practices. [30] also identified biomedical wastes disposal in open dumps among health workers in Saudi Arabia, attributable to poor sustainable waste training and lack of regulatory frameworks. I PCA results indicate that there are two dimensions of prevalent biomedical wastes in the hospital studied, as explicated by the two components retained
 Conclusion: The limited resources and government policies and local councils influences sustainable waste management practices and this paper aimed at identifying some of the solutions towards improving Sustainable waste management policies. The practice of biomedical waste management in the study area was low. Level of education, taking training on biomedical waste management, availability of color-coded three bins, and attitude of health care workers were significantly associated with biomedical waste management practices. Hence, in-service training is recommended to improve biomedical waste management practices.

A statistical method for source approtionment of soil pollution

The present study was conducted to evaluate the source apportionment of soil pollution and its impact on soil quality using multivariate statistical analysis tools. Multivariable statistical techniques such as cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA) and correlation offers superior interpretation of complicated data sets to better understand the soil quality. Soil samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, moisture content, phosphate, potassium and sulphar) and for some important heavy metals (zinc, iron, manganese and copper). Sampling stations have been classified into three groups using Cluster Analysis (CA) in a convincing way. Results revealed that among all the sampling stations, three significantly different groups: (1) stations having highest pollution sources (HW and MW), (2) Moderate polluted area (SW and IW) & (3) control site (VW) of the study stretch. The PCA generated 2 significant factors having eigenvalues >1 which explain 82.78% of the variance in the dataset. Each soil quality parameter with strong correlation coefficient value was considered to be significant (p<0.01). Therefore, the present study revealed that mining activities, dumping of municipal sewage, disposal of biomedical waste and industrial effluent including solid waste (e.g fly ash) have greater influence on the soil quality. Results also showed that the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Mn and Zn) in highly polluted soil are beyond the permissible limit. The pollutant levels were significantly different in the three groups of soil pollution character samples, which were confirmed by ANOVA analysis.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge about Disposal of Biomedical Waste among the Hospital Staff in a Multi-Specialty Hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat

Abstract: Introduction: Workplace hazards and health hazards are major public health concerns worldwide, contributing to the global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). One-third of adult life is spent at the workplace, with risky exposures often higher than in other environments. Accidents and occupational diseases cause 1,000 deaths daily, with 65% reported in Asia.To assess the knowledge of nursing staff and doctors with respect to gender, age and marital status. Awareness regarding BMW management will help the authorities to develop the strategy for improving the situation in future. Research Methodology: The study followed an observational cross-sectional design and was conducted over a one-month period at Dhiraj Hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat. The sample size consisted of 207 medical staff, including nurses, doctors, housekeeping staff, and lab technicians. The selection criteria included permanent staff of the hospital who signed the informed consent and were willing to participate. Findings and Analysis: The study revealed a gender distribution of 51.7% male and 48.3% female among 207 hospital staff, with the majority aged 25-35, followed by 35-45, and 45-55. Work safety practices were average, with a smaller percentage above 55. Conclusion: The study on the knowledge about disposal of biomedical waste among the hospital staff in a multi-specialty hospital in Vadodara, Gujarat, sheds light on the existing gaps in BMW management practices. It emphasizes the importance of addressing occupational health hazards and promoting a safe work environment

The Efficient Disposal of Biomedical Waste Is Critical to Public Health: Insights from the Central Pollution Control Board Guidelines in India.

Biomedical waste (BMW), encompassing hazardous medical materials, poses environmental and public health risks if not correctly managed. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in India isa statutory organization that oversees BMW disposal standards, aimed at mitigating these hazards. BMW mismanagement is a major problem and potentially poses threats to the environment as well as public health. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, increased use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical equipment was witnessed which led to a marked raised BMW generation. To ensure proper and optimized BMW management, CPCB established guidelines and rules to be followed by the medical facilities as well as the common BMW treatment facilities (CBWTFs). The challenges in implementing proper waste management practices were lack of awareness and inadequate infrastructure. Strategies for better BMW management were proposed, including color-coded bins, improved infrastructure, advanced technology, and awareness campaigns. Highlighting CPCB's vital role, this emphasizes healthcare facilities' proactive role in implementing and evolving regulations for sustainable BMW disposal, ensuring both public health and environmental well-being through compliance and responsible waste management partnerships.

Patterns of COVID-19 induced bio-medical waste management in Bangladesh: a case study of Chittagong port city

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate effective waste management practices and develop environment-friendly public health guidelines for the target audience. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 14 Upazilas of Chittagong Districts, where 200 community members were physically interviewed during the pandemic. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were conducted. Results: The majority of respondents followed government guidelines for waste management, and plastic containers, poly bags, bio-hazard bags, and metal containers were commonly used to collect waste. The type of container used was significantly associated with the level of education among community members. Non-environmental materials were used to deposit and dispose of COVID-19-induced biomedical waste. The majority of respondents had poor practices regarding the disposal of biomedical waste and were unaware of the standard duration for the disposal of infectious waste. The level of education was associated with awareness of COVID-19 rules and regulations. The recording of COVID-19-induced biomedical waste was insufficient, and the most commonly used methods for treating biomedical waste were biological, thermal, and irradiation. Plastic containers were the most frequently used disposal method for waste during COVID-19, which is hazardous to both the environment and public health. Conclusions: Community-based BCC activities by engaging community stakeholders in disseminating and raising awareness of key behaviors related to the environment and public health that are impacted by the biomedical waste in the community setting.

Knowledge of Staff Nurses on Health Hazards related to Biomedical Waste Disposal in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

The study aimed to assess staff nurses' knowledge of the health concerns connected with biomedical waste disposal. The descriptive study was performed with a sample of 50 staff nurses from a tertiary hospital. The semi-structured questionnaire was made to be used when interviewing participants. It has information about the person's age in years, religion, monthly family income, family type, marital status, previous biomedical waste management education exposure, and the source of information. Participants were between the ages of 20 and 60. Only five 20-30-year olds are moderately knowledgeable. Out of 50 nurses, 41 (82%) had an adequate level of knowledge, 9 (18%) had a moderate level of knowledge on biomedical waste management, and none of them had too inadequate knowledge. The proper handling of biomedical waste necessitates that all hospital staff undergo extensive training on the collection, sorting, transportation, and storage of waste in color-coded bins before disposal and treatment.

An investigation of the bio-medical waste produced in India during the COVID-19 pandemic and Maharashtra state (pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19) analysis: a GIS-based approach

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic exerted substantial pressure on global healthcare systems and facilities, putting the lives of countless individuals at risk. In addition, the treatment of patients during the pandemic resulted in an unprecedented increase in the volume of medical waste generated, including biomedical waste (BMW) or healthcare waste (HCW), which poses a risk of infectious disease transmission. As the second most populous country in the world, India faced a severe challenge in managing its healthcare waste infrastructure during this time (2020–2021). Proper disposal of BMW was of utmost importance to prevent the spread of infectious agents and to safeguard public health.MethodsThe environmental monitoring and management framework of the country is well planned and governed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which carefully handles the BMW across the states and union territory of the country. Through the execution of Android based application named ‘COVID19BMW’, India has laid the foundation of identification, classification, data collection, and management regarding the BMW. Further, the temporal scale of BMW generation tracking was further improved from a monthly to a daily basis by using the COVID19BMW tool. This data was used to map the change taken place across the India. Additionally, by using Geographical Information System the BMW is mapped using Choropleth method.ResultsThe current study conducted a national-level analysis of BMW generated during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The results revealed that, in the year 2020, the seven states and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi generated the highest amounts of BMW, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal being the top BMW generating states. Additionally, the change detection equation was used to map the changes. The investigation analysed the daily changes in BMW generation between 2020 and 2021 at the national level. The results indicated a significant decreasing trend of -50.35% in BMW generation per day. In the case of Maharashtra state, the change detection analysis for the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods showed an increased trend of approximately 32%. However, in 2021, a decreasing trend was observed, with a -2.23% reduction in BMW generation compared to 2020 on the daily basis of BMW generation. These findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced BMW generation of waste, and the results can provide insights for improving waste management policies and practices.DiscussionIn this study, a Geographical Information System (GIS) was employed to create a mapped representation of the BMW data at national scale. Further, the study investigated changes in BMW generation in Maharashtra state during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of changes in BMW generation revealed a pattern of BMW generation during the pandemic. The use of GIS technology to track these changes proved to be a valuable tool in providing a synoptic view of the overall BMW condition across India and identifying areas where infectious waste poses a significant threat. The visualisation of data using the GIS technique provided an easy means of identifying hotspots of BMW generation, which is more effective compared to a tabular format.

The Effectiveness of Biomedical Wastes Handling and Disposal in Accra: The Case of the Korle-Bu Teaching and the La General Hospitals

Improper handling and disposal of biomedical wastes have the potential of causing environmental and public health problems. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of biomedical wastes management by health care providers in Accra. The focus was on the Korle-Bu Teaching and the La General Hospitals. The research used the simple random sampling technique to select eighty healthcare personnel for the investigation. The study results indicated that the respondents were highly knowledgeable about the importance of disinfecting biomedical wastes before disposal and aware of the possibility of such wastes transmitting diseases if not properly managed. In addition, the research revealed that the hospitals have the necessary facilities and follow the requisite processes for disposal of biomedical wastes. This has resulted in very effective disposal of hospital wastes. The research conclusion is that the effectiveness of management and disposal of biomedical wastes in the two facilities is because of the extensive knowledge of the respondents about the issue, availability of the required equipment and the implementation of well-designed strategies for disposing of biomedical wastes. The study recommends that more logistical/financial support should be available to health facilities for effective management of biomedical wastes throughout the country [1,2].