Biomedical Waste Segregation Research Articles

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES ON BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG MEDICAL INTERNS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH KARNATAKA

Objective: Every health-care personnel is expected to have adequate knowledge, good attitude, safe practice, and capacity to guide others for appropriate biomedical waste (BMW) collection and management. The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding BMW management among the budding yet responsible doctors- the medical interns in ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Gulbarga. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all the 81 interns currently posted in ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Gulbarga. Data were collected using pre-designed and semi-structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices on BMW management. Results: The study found that a majority (69.1%) of interns demonstrated fair knowledge regarding BMW management. Majority (93.8–98.8%) of the interns showed a positive attitude towards BMW segregation, self-responsibility, observation of charts at workplace, and training on BMW management. Furthermore, only 12.3% interns viewed BMW management as an extra burden on work. However, only 44.4% of interns were pre-treating liquid waste, and 50.6% were using a needle hub cutter. Alarmingly, 23.3% indicated that they would not report injuries. Conclusion: BMW management practices can be further improved with strict supervision and incorporation of BMW management in the assessment of internship completion in addition to periodic training

Needle Stick Injury Among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Setting in Dehradun, Sub-Himalayan Region: A Four-Year Record-Based Study.

Needlestick injuries (NSIs) represent a significant occupational health risk in healthcare settings. These injuries, caused by contaminated sharps such as needles, vials, and scalpel blades, can lead to percutaneous exposure to infectious materials. Despite the severity of NSIs, they often go unreported, highlighting a critical gap in occupational safety protocols. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of NSIs among healthcare workers (HCWs) by sex, profession, and working areas. It also sought to explore the underlying reasons for these injuries and the factors contributing to their underreporting. Adhering to the RECORD guidelines (Reporting of studies Conducted using Observational Routinely Collected Data), this record-based study involved a retrospective analysis of reported NSIs. Data were collected from voluntary reports by HCWs who experienced NSIs or exposure to potentially infectious materials such as blood and body fluids. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 16 (Released 2007; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York) and Microsoft Excel 2010 (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington). Data from 142 participants indicated a higher proportion of females experiencing NSIs compared to males, with rates of 57.7% pre-COVID and 60.6% during COVID. There were notable shifts in NSI rates across professions, with increases observed among staff nurses and ward attendants/helpers. Analysis of injury circumstances revealed a decrease in sampling procedure-related injuries but an increase during intravenous procedures and biomedical waste segregation. Injuries occurring on the right-hand index finger decreased from 52.1% pre-COVID to 31% during COVID, while those on the left-hand index finger increased from 19.7% pre-COVID to 39.4% during COVID. Statistically significant associations were found between the injury site and the place of occurrence (p=0.021). Healthcare professionals commonly cleansed the site with disinfectants and used personal protective equipment (PPE) kits, with increased PPE usage noted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings emphasize the evolving dynamics of NSIs among HCWs and underscore the importance of tailored preventive measures during pandemics.

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.

Appraisal of biomedical waste management practice in India and associated human health and environmental risk

Biomedical waste management is an essential aspect of human and environmental safety. The healthcare industries and the unfortunate pandemic have increased the generation of biomedical waste. If biomedical waste is not managed safely, it poses human health and ecological risks. Hence, the study aims to appraise the scenario of biomedical waste management in India and to identify its effect on human health and the environment. The study used a systematic approach to review all the rules and regulations related to biomedical waste management issued by the Government of India from time to time. Further, the study explored the strengths and weaknesses of the current BMW management rules using the SWOT analysis model. All recent and relevant literature was critically examined using scoping review approaches to better understand the health and environmental risks associated with poor biomedical waste management to propose the best practices and future direction. It was found that needle stick injury is a major hazard to human health during segregation. Poor segregation practices can lead to the mixing of biomedical waste with municipal solid waste. Hence, there is a need for proper training about the current biomedical waste rules with a specific focus on biomedical waste segregation at the time of generation. Each process involved in biomedical waste management can adversely impact the environment and human health if not managed well. The impact and gaps of poor biomedical waste management from generation to disposal have been identified. The study recommends routine awareness programs and capacity building for proper biomedical waste management and to minimize the associated environmental and human health risks. These risks could be minimized further through implementing scientific and systematic approaches in biomedical waste treatment and management, including regulatory compliance.

Biomedical waste segregation compliance scoring system: to analyze, strengthen, monitor, and step up waste management in healthcare facilities.

segregation of biomedical waste (BMW) is the foremost and prime step for effective BMW management. This study was taken up to assess the BMW segregation compliance in patient care areas using a checklist-based scoring system to analyze the segregation compliance and establish feedback-based training programs. this study was conducted between January 2020 to December 2021 at a government tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad. The compliance was calculated by giving a score of one for each day, such that if there was no noncompliance (NC) the score was 100% for a given location at the end of the month. A score of minus one was given for each day a noncompliance was noted and transfigured into percentages. A score of 100% was considered good, and below 95% was considered an action point necessitating root cause analysis and training. the BMW segregation compliance scores of the hospital for the year 2020 (96.5%) were compared with 2021 scores (97.5%). The outpatient department (OPD) and ICU had the poorest compliance rate of 93.7% and 93.6% respectively, compared to wards (96.2%). The most common factors influencing NC in BMW segregation were the joining of new staff, relocation, or new establishment of wards. The most common segregation error was found in the yellow disposal bags pertaining to the disposal of personal protective equipment. this easy and simple scoring system was established to improve the segregation compliance of BMW. End of each month an area wise compliance is easily made such that areas with low scores could be trained.

Predictors of Compliance to Biomedical Waste Segregation among Workers in Health Facilities in Jinja District, Uganda

Background: Compliance with biomedical waste segregation among healthcare workers, particularly in developing economies, is a major challenge. One of the main issues is establishing the predictors of compliance as a step toward addressing this challenge. Therefore, this study focused on establishing the predictors of compliance to biomedical waste segregation among health workers in health facilities, focusing on the Jinja district in Uganda.
 Method: This study utilized a cross-sectional study design that employed quantitative and qualitative methods using a questionnaire and key informant interview approaches.
 Results: The results showed that most (54.7%) health workers were not compliant with biomedical waste segregation. Additionally, the study found that gender, education, cadre, and experience were not significantly associated with compliance with biomedical waste segregation (p> 0.05). It also revealed that health facility ownership and support supervision were significantly associated with compliance with biomedical waste segregation among health workers (p =0.001, p =0.000).
 Conclusion: Health workers in the Jinja District do not generally comply with biomedical waste segregation. There is a need for the health system to increase efforts to support supervision and funding to reduce the effects of poor biomedical waste segregation.

Knowledge, awareness, and practice of biomedical waste segregation in a dental office.

Biomedical waste (BMW) is any sort of litter generated in the course of human or animal research operations, such as diagnosis, treatment, or immunization, or during the development or trial of pharmaceutical products or in health camps. In dental sectors, BMW, if not adequately handled, can provide a number of health risks to dental practitioners, patients, and other dental healthcare service providers who operate in dental offices. The aim of the study is to examine the knowledge, awareness, and practice of BMW segregation among dental offices. A well-framed questionnaire containing 10 self-structured questions was formed and distributed among 100 students of dentistry through an online Google Forms link. The results were collected, tabulated, and statistically analyzed using the Software SPSS. Chi-square test was performed to assess the P value. Biological waste segregation was known to 98% of the participants, in which most of them had more than 10 years of expertise in dentistry. It is evident that dentists with a lot of experience over the years in the field of dentistry possess considerably increased awareness regarding the segregation of BMWs in their dental offices. Chi-square test done between the years of experience in dentistry and the knowledge on BMW segregation reveals that 0.031 < 0.05 is the P value, which is statistically significant. Most dentists having experience of above 10 years in the field of dentistry have excellent knowledge and practice of segregating BMWs in their dental offices.

COVID-19 Biomedical Waste Management Practices among Medical Professionals in a Tertiary Hospital

Context: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that began in 2019 has affected more than 232 million people around the world with over 4.7 million deaths as on September 30, 2021. Amidst the crisis, there has been increased generation of biomedical-waste (BMW). In April 2021, a 62% rise was observed compared to 123 metric tonnes of waste generated in February 2021. The hospital waste mismanagement has diverse ramifications as it affects the patients, healthcare workers (HCWs), public, environment, and economy. Proper BMW management aims to reduce generation, ensures efficient collection, handling and safe disposal so that it controls infection and improves safety. Aims: The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge among medical professionals regarding BMW segregation, transport, and treatment. Settings, Design, Methods, and Materials: A google formed based survey was done to assess the knowledge regarding management of COVID-19 BMW among HCWs (MBBS students, residents, and consultants) associated with tertiary care hospitals of North India. Results: The knowledge score was : for segregation − 27.4%, 59.6%, and 49.8%; transport from site of generation to site of disposal − 63.6%, 89.1%, and 95.2%; disposal − 29%, 71.9%, and 68.2%; overall score − 41.4%, 67.9%, and 61.3% among the students, residents, and consultants respectively. We found that participants with greater years of experience (residents and consultants) had better knowledge as compared to that of the students (P = 0.032). Conclusion: We found a mean score of 56.9% which is more than that of few low- and middle-income countries but less than that of European countries. The chances of infection directly correlate with lower knowledge score. Appropriate evidence-based, judicious use of PPE as per the settings and guidelines should be followed. Training aspects, periodic evaluation, and assessment should be strengthened, both for practising medical professionals and for students, to ensure a safe and sustainable healthcare system.

Impact of BMW Segregation Training Program on Hospital Infection Control in a South Indian Hospital

Introduction: Biomedical waste (BMW) generated is a matter of great concern as it consists of high levels of hazardous waste. The lack of segregation and disposal policy in India leads to use of such infectious waste in day-to-day life [1]. Lack of awareness about segregation of Biomedical Waste (BMW) at source is a major cause for Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) and increased risk of contamination of hospital and external environment.&#x0D; Materials &amp; Methods: To address the problem, we decided to train interns and health care workers to increase their awareness about BMW segregation and thereby reduce HAI.&#x0D; The program was run in 3 phases. In the 1st phase need assessment was done as to how important and effective this program would be in controlling HAI. The 2nd phase comprised of identifying the stake holders in the program who will play the key role in implementing the program effectively. The 3rd phase of Biomedical Segregation Program BMWSP focused on the outcomes as enumerated in the Kirkpatrick model [2], viz., participants’ reaction, learning, change in behavior and results. Measuring the impact of the program on the learners at these four levels revealed the effectiveness of the program.&#x0D; Results: To overcome the shortfalls in the Kirkpatrick model we used Logic model which took care of the instructional design. Logic model is better suitable for evaluating BMWSP as it considers inter-relation between constituents in a sequence and their effect on the process as well as product providing the necessary roadmap from the planned work (inputs and activities) to the intended results (outputs, outcomes and impact). It is a sequence of events connecting each other starting with Resources / Inputs, Activities, Outputs, Outcomes and Impact. The model helped medical interns and dental students to understand the importance for BMWSP and also made a significant difference in its implementation.&#x0D; Conclusion: The program helped in making the health care staff more aware about BMWSP. It also increased their knowledge, and helped in implementation of the program. This will significantly reduce HAI and overall benefit the society.

Impact of monitoring and training on biomedical waste segregation practice in hospitals

Background: It is evident that only 10-20% of the entire hospital waste is hazardous. If waste segregation is done properly at point of generation and immediately, it helps to reduce the waste quantity by around 2-5%. Regular monitoring and training of the staff is of paramount importance in proper segregation of waste. The aim was to find out impact of monitoring and training in waste segregation practice of the hospital.Methods: The study was done in a 750 bedded teaching hospital at eastern India during 2018. 23 different areas were identified. Each area had equipped with total five (5) bins including one bin for general waste and a total 23×5=115 bins to be monitored daily for segregation deficiency. A structured training programme for all staff were made. A register used to record daily segregation deficiency. Monthly data were used for training need assessment and bio-medical waste segregation deficiency (BMWSD) index was calculated. Simple statistical test in Microsoft excel and t test used.Results: In the zero month 16 areas found with total 38 deficiencies and the mean BMWSD index was 1.10%. On the third month, only three deficiencies found in three areas with the mean BMWSD index 0.09%. On the sixth month the deficiencies were further reduced to only one area with one deficiency with a BMWSD index of 0.03%.Conclusions: Regular monitoring along with proper training of the staff improved the biomedical waste segregation practice in the hospital highly significantly over time (p&lt;0.0001).

Knowledge and awareness about biomedical waste segregation and disposal among pre-final year medical students at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Biomedical waste is any waste that is created during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunisation of human beings or animals, or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the manufacturing or testing of biologicals. India produces 500 tonnes of biomedical waste every day through numerous activities. It is projected that 10-25% of the total waste is produced by the health care sector, which leads to severe health problems. If an appropriate measure is not incorporated into the current system, the negative effects of medical waste on the public and the environment will be hilarious. With this backdrop, a research study was carried out among medical students perusing under graduating in medicine, aiming to optimise their level of knowledge of biomedical waste segregation and disposal. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was espoused to study among the 3rd year medical students. A random sampling method was chosen to select 150 students. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from them. Descriptive analysis was employed and the finding was presented in tabular and pictorial forms.Results: Half of the students had good knowledge over BMW. Awareness of segregation wastes and colour coding among them was very poor.Conclusions: The study has unearthed the fact that half of the medical students haven’t had adequate knowledge of BMW management. Hands-on training at regular intervals with the updated information would enhance the students' knowledge and skills, and fill the lacuna in this area of research.

Biomedical waste segregation in orthodontics after COVID

In the majority of health-care organizations including the field of dentistry, biomedical waste (BMW) is becoming a severe concern. All health-care employees must be informed of how to properly dispose of health-care waste and how to handle, segregate, and transport BMW. Proper segregation of BMW is highly essential during these current pandemic times. There is a rapid increase in the spread of infectious diseases, especially in the field of dentistry. COVID currently has a higher spread and affectivity ratio than any other disease since 2019, along with other diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. Without proper disposal of medical waste, there can be no assurance that these diseases will not spread. Hence, there is a need for a safety protocol, which is applied and implemented worldwide and their disposal in a specific guided manner. This article is intended to provide deep insight and to simplify how to categorize and dispose orthodontic BMW.

Process Evaluation of COVID-19 Vaccination Sessions in Dadra and Nagar Haveli District During SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

Efficient roll out of COVID-19 vaccines requires high-quality preparedness at all levels and robust planning and training regarding COVID-19 vaccination, use of CoWIN software, post-vaccination care and communication for all health functionaries. The current study attempts to fill the research gap in monitoring of COVID-19 vaccination session sites in tribal areas of UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH) during COVID-19 pandemic. It was a cross sectional observational study conducted from April to May 2021 at 36 purposively selected COVID-9 vaccination session sites. Sites were monitored independently for assessing various parameters like infrastructure, HR status, vaccine, logistics availability, and AEFI management using the WHO Session Site Monitoring Form for COVID-19 Vaccination. Out of 36 session sites observed, three separate designated rooms were available at 21 (58.3%) sites. Almost two-third of the session sites (61.1%) had displayed information, education, communication (IEC) materials. Mean number of team members was 5.1 (SD 1.7). Adequate stock of vaccine vials and AD syringes, AEFI kits or anaphylaxis kits were available and biomedical waste segregation was as per guidelines at all the session sites. Logistics availability, safe injection practices, and COVID-appropriate behavior were adequate; however, infrastructure and post-vaccination care needs strengthening for successful rollout of COVID-19 vaccination.

Biomedical Solid Waste Management System in Jimma Medical Center, Jimma Town, South Western Ethiopia.

IntroductionBiomedical waste is a hazardous waste material that is generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings. Hence, it needs special attention and appropriate management before disposal.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the biomedical solid waste management system in Jimma Medical Center, Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia, 2020.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the biomedical solid waste management system from May 12 to 25, 2020. The quantity of biomedical solid waste generated was measured by using a calibrated weight balance. An observational checklist and a semi-structured interview guide were used to assess the current practice of biomedical solid waste management. In addition, during combustion, the concentration of pollutants emitted from the incinerator was measured at a different distance from the source. Analysis of variance was used to compare the mean waste generation rates among wards and the contribution of incinerator emissions at different distances was analyzed by regression.ResultThe average daily biomedical waste generation rate was determined to be 0.92kg/bed/day and/or 0.75kg/patient/day. There was limited segregation of biomedical waste by type at the point of generation. Mixed biomedical waste was collected and transported using substandard open plastic bins. Moreover, the incinerator was operated at a low temperature and high peak average concentrations of PM2.5 (21.7–999.9 μg/m3) and PM10 (31–1999.9 μg/m3), total VOC (736–4754mg/m3), NO2 (0.00–600 μg/m3) and SO2 (0.00–300 μg/m3) were recorded at different distances downwind from the incinerator.ConclusionThe average biomedical waste generation rate was above the threshold value set by the World Health Organization in low-income countries. Its management was also limited. The high concentrations of pollutants released from the incinerator affect the nearby air quality and hence interferes with the health of the local community.

Biomedical Waste Management

Bio medical waste (BMW) disposal is a very important yet a challenging task. Health care waste contains potentially harmful microorganisms, which can infect hospital patients, health workers, and the general public. Exposure to hazardous health care waste can result in disease or injury. The Government of India has been laying down rules, namely, Bio Medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, in 1998, COVID-19 pandemic and its consequent biomedical waste is an unprecedented challenge worldwide. Biomedical waste generated during COVID-19 patient isolation, testing and care needs special consideration as it challenges the previous notion that only 15–20% of waste can be considered infectious. With establishment of new home quarantine facility, isolation/quarantine centers the chances of general waste getting contaminated with biomedical waste has increased exponentially. The key step in COVID19 waste management is segregation of biomedical waste from solid waste. Waste generated from COVID19 patients is like any other infectious waste, therefore creating public awareness about the COVID19 waste hazards and segregation at source is highlighted in all guidelines as a recommendation.

A New Approach for Effective Biomedical Waste Segregation and Disposal

Biomedical waste management is a major concern in current scenario. Increase in hospital and health care facilities also generates high amount of biomedical waste. Therefore, segregation, handling and disposing of waste is crucial step to be taken. Waste segregation is to be done according to the color-coded dustbins as per the rules formed by the “The ministry of environment, forest and climate change”. Segregation into color coded dustbin is done on the basis of type of category of waste. If proper segregation of biomedical waste is not done, then the further process of handling and disposing of it becomes laborious. As different kind of waste is treated (reused, recycled and reduce) in distinct way. Not only this but the waste discarded improperly can be harmful to the environment and toxic to the people coming into contact with them invariably while disposing or treating the medical waste. Thus, we are developing an instrument which segregates biomedical waste effectively and dispose it having minimum human exposure with the it while and after disposal. We start with a matrix constructed using switches and LED lights of different colors which indicate the respective color code of the dustbins. The rows and columns describe the different properties of the waste material. Each of the dustbins has an ultrasonic distance sensor attached in front of them followed by a microcontroller and servo motor. The distance sensor circuit controls the lid of the dustbin when person goes near/away from the dustbin. This is how hospital waste segregation is done fruitful and disposal of it in such a way that chances of spreading infection through medical waste decreases. Later, it can be discarded in bigger bins for storing and transporting it to waste management companies.

WITHDRAWN: Smart arm for segregation of biomedical waste

The Bio-Medical Waste (BMW) segregation is an essential domain of bioremediation. The manual segregation of medical waste leads to acute and chronic infections. The proposal to design the machine aided segregation is focused in this work. The aggregate of medical waste comprises of metallic substances, plastics, organic and decomposable substances and cotton material. The initiation to differentiate these composite substances are handled using varied sensor modules such as: ultrasonic sensor, voltage sensor, moisture sensor, inductive proximity sensor and glass sensor. The design and performance of these sensors are validated using SPICE-MULTISIM software. The simulated output from different sensors are interfaced to the virtual robotic arm designed using 3DS MAX software. The angle of deflection and distance between the container and collector are modulated in accordance to the rotation per minute of accelerometer/servo meter in three different functions of the intelligent arm model. The color sensor detects the arm for disposal of sensed BMW in respective collector waste bins. The operating range of sensors are fixed to be Vin = 1–9 V; Inductance (L) = 0.1mH; Resistor (R) = 100 Ω–10 KΩ; Capacitance (C) = 100 nF–10 μF. The pick and place model of the smart arm into prescribed color bins reduces manual intervention and prevents the spread of infections.

Knowledge, attitude and practices of healthcare workers regarding biomedical waste segregation at Mayo Hospital Lahore.

Objectives: This study has been designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of healthcare workers at Mayo Hospital regarding biomedical waste segregation. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Teaching Hospital of King Edward Medical University Lahore, Pakistan. Period: February 2018 to January 2019. Material &amp; Methods: Structured questionnaires in English and Urdu were employed to collect data from healthcare workers (nurses and doctors) on duty in different wards of Mayo Hospital. The demographics, level of knowledge, practices and attitude regarding biomedical waste segregation are reported using descriptive statistics. The comparison of doctors and nurses is done using chi-square. Results: Significantly fewer number of doctors correctly identified the container for bio hazardous waste (p=0.016), while majority (89.4%) of respondents were able to correctly identify the container for sharps and general waste. Significantly more (p=0.00) number of nurses had training in waste segregation as compared with doctors. Majority (95.0%) of nurses acknowledged that guidelines regarding waste segregation were available in their departments, whereas significantly lesser number (64.5%) of doctors acknowledged existence of guidelines at their workplace (p=0.00). 21.3% of respondents claimed to have acquired infection from waste with no statistical difference between the two groups (p=0.19). A minority of the participants agreed that the practices were satisfactory (14.6%) and the required equipment was available (27.7%), yet there was a significant difference between the responses of doctors and nurses with the nurses being more satisfied with the available facilities and equipment (p=0.00) than doctors. Conclusion: The knowledge of the healthcare workers regarding waste segregation is better than their practices, nonetheless there is a dire need to improve the quality of training of these health care workers in and emphases must be put on ensuring that correct practices are adopted.

Clinical audit: Awareness of bio medical waste (BMW) management among OT personnel

Inappropriate handling of biomedical waste carries a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste. Its effective management is a social as well as legal responsibility. To assess the knowledge and practice regarding biomedical waste management among the OT personnel in a tertiary care hospital based in New Delhi, an audit was conducted using a questionnaire with 230 participants who are largely responsible for segregation of biomedical waste generated at point source in the operation theatre. It included 11, 42, and 72, third year, second year and 1 year anaesthesia post graduate students respectively, 53 anaesthesia senior residents, 24 nursing staff and 28 OT technicians. Although 85.2% of the subjects got formal training for proper biomedical waste disposal, the knowledge among them was found unsatisfactory. More than 40% of the participants in each group barring OT technicians didn’t know proper segregation of waste. The audit showed poor knowledge of proper biomedical waste disposal among OT personnel in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi. There is a need of strict supervision and implementation of the recommended guidelines to ensure a safe environment.

Impact evaluation of biomedical waste segregation among junior residents of a South Indian medical college: a quasi experimental study

Background: Biomedical waste is any waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals. The quantity of solid waste generated in Bangalore hospitals is from ½ to 4 kg per bed per day. But segregation is done in only 30%. Health care workers have an important responsibility to segregate the biomedical waste and dispose them. Hence this study was undertaken with the objective of assessing the impact of intervention on Biomedical waste segregation knowledge among junior doctors. Methods: The study design employed is a quasi experimental study with control and intervention design. The junior doctors were selected randomly. After written informed consent the participants were divided as two group of intervention and control group with 74 in each group. Data of pre-test was collected using self-administered and validated questionnaire. After a week of pre-test, training using WHO modules 3 on training of biomedical waste segregation based on IHWM was done only for the intervention group. After a period of 3 months post test was conducted for both the intervention and the control group using a pre tested self-administered questionnaire with questions very similar to the pre-test.Results: The difference is found to be with t-test value of 1.434 and df of 37 with significant value 0.160 (&gt;0.05) for the control group. The difference is found to be with t-test value of 3.241 and df of 35 with significant value 0.003 (&lt;0.05) for the intervention group.Conclusions: The knowledge of biomedical waste management was found to increase after an intervention.