Biomedical Waste Management Practices Research Articles

ECO-FRIENDLY BIO-MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE IN BANGLADESH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Currently Sustainable Development Goals (17 goals) are the main challenges for industrialization and infrastructure development for an economy. One challenge faced is in developing economy like Bangladesh where the focus of industrialization has been given priority by sacrificing natural conservation. Recently a large number of health cares have been established all over the country. Therefore, a huge amount of medical wastage is generated daily and Bio-medical waste management is inevitable for sustainable development. The management of bio medical waste is directly relevant to SDG goal 3 (Good health and well- being), 6 (Clean water and sanitation), 11(Sustainable cities and communities), 13(Climate action) and 15(Life on land). From the literature, it has been found that few eco-friendly waste management technologies are available and adopted by various countries. This paper aims to identify the bio-medical waste management practice in Bangladesh and whether it is eco-friendly or not. A survey was conduced to 176 respondents from 22 healthcare institutions; the study showed that most of the health care institutions transfer their medical wastage to the responsible municipality/local authority. In addition, opinions of the responsible environmental managers concern health care institutions confirmed the lack in capacity of executing eco-friendly bio medical waste management technologies in Bangladesh. By using the result of this study, it is hoped healthcare institutions of developing countries like Bangladesh can apply eco-friendly waste management technology for ensuring sustainable development.

Knowledge, Attitude, And Practices of Biomedical Waste Management(Principle) Rules 2016; Biomedical Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018 Among Health Care Workers in A Teaching Hospital: A Critical Appraisal On the Current State and Way Ahead

Hospital-generated waste materials commonly labeled as 'Biomedical waste (BMW) is a kind of remnant that includesinfectious and non-infectious materials, and their appropriate disposals are controlled per the guidelines of Biomedical wastemanagement (BMWM) Amendment Rules, 2018, Government of India. Periodic assessment on BMWM among health care workers(HCW) is mandated to ensure quality assurance which may be helpful during pandemic times. The study was conducted with ethicalclearance using a validated questionnaire (using Cronbach's α) covering Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) derived based onrecent Biomedical waste management 2018 guidelines. The study conductors checked the responses in context to KAP; appropriatestatistical analysis was done and discussed at the end of each session. Nearly 279 HCWs participated in the study and cast theirresponses. Knowledge and attitude domain on BMWM showed statistical significance, and varied responses were observed withpractices among the participants. The present study proves novelty by extensively analyzing KAP among healthcare workers onbiomedical waste management in general, with particular emphasis on laboratory biosafety norms. The study emphasizes thatBMWM should be a continuous process, and all HCWs handling BMW must undergo regular training and assessment withquestionnaire surveys. Multi-tasking and cumulative efforts must be formulated to attain translational synergy in the stream of KAPof BMWM, which could be attained by incorporating BMWM in the health science curriculum.

Biomedical Waste Management: An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Healthcare Workers in Tertiary Care Hospital, Chhattisgarh

In the current scenario, medical concern is fundamental for everyone’s existence in addition to well-being, but the waste produced as of healthcare facilities signifies an actual concern in our surroundings. One of the healthcare workers (HCWs) most crucial duties is to handle biomedical waste (BMW) created in a healthcare institution properly since inappropriate management of BMW not only puts both individuals and the environment at risk but might also lead to lawful act opposed to healthcare workers and hospital authority. Current research plan is intended to assess biomedical waste management in a tertiary care hospital in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. A facility-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur; Chhattisgarh from July 2021 to August 2021. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and observation was done by interviewing 105 healthcare workers, selected by simple random sampling, using a predesigned, semi-structured questionnaire. The analysis revealed that medical staff had good knowledge, attitude and practice of biomedical waste management than the paramedical professionals or non-medical workers. There is an imperative need for orientation training to protect themselves, and citizens visiting this healthcare facility and close by communities.

Comparative cross-sectional study regarding the knowledge and attitude of dental students toward biomedical waste legislation, segregation, and management practice

Comparative cross-sectional study regarding the knowledge and attitude of dental students toward biomedical waste legislation, segregation, and management practice

A Comparative Study on Perception about Biomedical Waste Management among the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in South Delhi

Background: Biomedical waste poses a great risk of infection and damage. Improper waste management could have major public health repercussions. Medical students are exposed to various biomedical wastes during their training in the hospital. Their lack of awareness about biomedical waste management is hazardous to their health and the health of others. The purpose of this study was to examine undergraduate and postgraduate students’ understanding of biomedical waste management in a study setting. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 undergraduate and postgraduate students at a tertiary care hospital in South Delhi in 2019. Data were collected using a self-structured and administered questionnaire after taking informed consent. Data were analysed using SPSS 20.0 software. Results: 86% of participants were aware of the BMW legislation. 79% always practised BMWM guidelines and 65% had correctly identified biohazard symbols. Postgraduate students had better knowledge about colour coding and disposal methods of biomedical waste than undergraduate students including interns. Conclusions: Undergraduate and postgraduate students were aware of biomedical waste but finer details for its management were far from perfection. Sensitisation about BMW hazards, regular training, continuous monitoring, and feedback are recommended to improve their biomedical waste management practices.

Challenges Faced in Biomedical Waste Management by Waste Handlers amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) saw an overhaul in the biomedical waste management (BMWM) practices. Waste handlers were at the brunt of these changes. If the challenges pertaining to BMWM at the ground level are better understood, more effective measures to overcome them can be formulated. Objectives: 1. To identify myths and concerns regarding BMWM in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. 2. To explore the challenges faced in BMWM amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 3.To explore opportunities and future perspectives of BMWM. Method: In-depth interviews were conducted among 17 purposively selected Class IV health care workers during August to November 2021 in a tertiary care institute in Mumbai. Data was reported using thematic analysis. Results: Three major themes - challenges and concerns faced by BMW handlers, enablers/ motivators, opportunities and future practices were generated from the transcripts. Various challenges faced by waste handlers were- difficulties in segregation and transport of BMW, exhaustion from PPE usage and fear of acquiring and spreading COVID-19 from work, stigma faced from public, and handling COVID-19 deaths. Support from family and colleagues, incentives and a positive change in public perception enabled them to work. Forming redressal committees, addressing job security concerns and timely provision of good quality equipment can improve hospital waste management measures in the future. Conclusion: It is of utmost importance to address challenges faced by waste handlers in BMWM. Onus should also be on periodic training in BMW

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE, AWARENESS AND PRACTICES REGARDING BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS WITH ITS EFFECT AT RANI DURGAVATI MEDICAL COLLEGE BANDA (UP) INDIA

The Central Government framed certain rules to protect the Environment, namely Bio-Medical Waste Management (BMWM) Rules, 2016, and (Amendment) Rules, 2018. These were an update and simplification of prior existing rules not only for human health and also for safety of environment for the current and future generations. Effective BMWM is not only a legal necessity but also a social responsibility. Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility (CBWTF) is a set up where biomedical waste generated from member health care facilities has imparted necessary treatment to reduce adverse effects that this waste may pose on human health and environment. The study was conducted to assess / judge existing knowledge, awareness and practices regarding BMWM among Health care workers at Rani Durgavati Medical College Banda, India. A pre-tested questionnaire based on cross-sectional survey was circulated among various Health care workers / Participants using the questionnaire of BMWM for health care workers of 400 bedded tertiary care teaching Hospital Rani Durgavati Medical College. This questionnaire was distributed among 146 participants/HCWs over a period of one month i.e. from 11th January to 15th February, 2021. Each questionnaire was composed of four sections/tables: 1. Section A / Table-1 comprised of demographic profile of the subjects 2. Section B / Table-2 comprised of questions to test the Knowledge / Awareness 3. Section C / Table-3 was about the Attitudes and 4. Section D / Table-4 about the practices of BMWM. The study showed that: 1. The participants scored high on attitude and knowledge about the waste management practices while their scores on the implementation part were comparatively low. 2. There was a significant difference in relation to educational qualification of respondent in knowledge and practice score. 3. Rani Durgavati Medical College / GAMC Banda lead yearly in proper segregation, treatment and disposal. Our treatment of BMWM increased as gross generation of BMWM decreased significantly in the years2020 and 2021.

Study of knowledge, attitude, and practices of biomedical waste management among healthcare workers in tertiary care government hospital in western Maharashtra

Background: Bio-medical wastes produced in the course of health care activities has a higher potential for infection and injury than any other type of waste among healthcare workers. Studies in India and other developing countries have shown lack of knowledge and poor practice of biomedical waste (BMW) management.Methods: This was an observational hospital-based cross-sectional study. Study group included 210 healthcare workers, which includes doctors, interns, nursing staff, laboratory technicians, and class IV workers. Study was done by using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel 2016.Results: The majority of doctors (92%), interns (90%), nursing staff (93%) had adequate knowledge about BMW management, but lab technicians and class IV workers (70%) had poor knowledge. Among all health care workers (HCW), 50% of HCW attended the training for biomedical waste management, 46% of the HCW thought that BMW management is an extra burden on work. Except for nursing staff (100%), other healthcare workers (>55%) do not follow the color-coding of BMW.Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to conduct periodic training among all healthcare workers about all aspects related to bio-medical waste management.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Biomedical Waste Management among Health Care Personnel at El-Mak Nimer University Hospital 2021

Introduction: Medical waste is generated by healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, blood banks, and laboratories, which may cause infection to any person coming into contact with it. therefore, medical waste can be considered as being of the greatest environmental concern since it can harbor potentially harmful microorganisms and carries the risk of transmission of infections from healthcare facilities to healthcare workers, patients, and general public. Method: This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in Almak Nimer University Hospitals - River Nile state -Sudan during the year 2021 with the aim to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices among the health care personnel towards medical waste management. Total 125 respondents were participated in the study; the study uses questionnaires, interviews and observations as tools for data collection. The collected data were analyzed by Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the result was presented in figures and tables. Result: A total of 125 subjects participated in this study which included ( 34 doctors, 56 nurse, 18 lab technician, 17 class IV employees). The study revealed that (96.8%) of the respondents have good knowledge about hazardous waste. (94.4 % )of the respondents have good knowledge concerning waste transmitting diseases. ( 84.08%) have good attitudes towards BMW ,the study most of participant want to upgrade knowledge of BMW management. about practices (77.6%) wearing personal protective measure while handling BMW during the work .( 96%) wash their hands after the work, but only (61%) use drugs for cleaning the hand if injured. Conclusion: The study revealed that level of knowledge over all (73.5%), there is good knowledge among health worker except class IV which is found to be reasonable. There are reasonable level of knowledge by class IV regarding define color-coding system. The attitude support BMW management is a team work which is found to be good as well as attitude of upgrading knowledge is found to be good. Some of participant had not received vaccination , there is good practice toward handling of BMW as well as have good practice about using special container for disposal.

Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management among Health Care Personnel in Bareilly International University, Bareilly, India

INTRODUCTION: Biomedical Waste is defined as any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological products. Healthcare workers are one of the main contributors to the healthcare waste management process. AIM: The study aimed to assess the level of awareness and attitude regarding biomedical waste management policy and practices among health care workers at Bareilly International University, Bareilly, India. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire with closed-ended questions which was distributed to 150 medical, 154 dental and 100 Class IV employees at Bareilly International University, India. The responses in the questionnaire were used to assess their knowledge of biomedical waste disposal. The responses were evaluated, and each participant's percentage of correct and incorrect responses for each question was calculated. RESULTS: The results indicated that all healthcare professionals had a low degree of knowledge and awareness regarding the risks associated with biomedical waste formation, legal requirements, and management. Only 11 (7.14%) dental interns had excellent knowledge about biomedical waste generation and legislation while 5 (3.33%) medical interns had extremely poor knowledge about it. Only 4 (4%) Class IV employees had an excellent awareness of biomedical waste management practices. Only 34 (22.08%) dental interns had an excellent level of knowledge of needle-stick injuries among health care personnel. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that health care professionals have a low degree of knowledge and awareness regarding the risks of biomedical waste generation, laws, and management at Bareilly International University, India hence there is a requirement for regular monitoring and training at all levels of healthcare.

An Assessment of Biomedical Waste (BMW) Production and Management and its Impact on the Environment and Disease Transmission Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Philippines

The study aimed to analyze the impact of pandemic-related BMW production and management in the Philippines and its potential role in transmitting the COVID-19 virus via a mixed-methods analysis of data from surveys of different sectors (consumers of medical waste, deliverymen, and medical workers) and using secondary sources. The results revealed that the most common types of PPE used in the country are disposable face masks and face shields, wherein all respondents reported an increase in the consumption of medical materials. An improper disposal of an estimated 85 million disposable face masks and 50 million face shields in the Philippines poses a serious threat to the environment and health in the Philippines, a biodiversity hot spot. There was a strong correlation between the increased exposure to BMW and laxer degrees of implementation of proper BMW disposal practices. The paper also established an estimated consumption of ≈ 120.5 million face masks, ≈ 71.4 million face shields, ≈ 38 million disposable gloves, and ≈ 4.1 million full-body suits per day in the Philippines. The actual output of biomedical waste in the country drastically increased in a year, comprising an average daily output of 3,390 tons of BMW (≈ 482 tons for face masks, ≈ 2,544 tons for face shields, ≈ 198 tons for disposable gloves, and ≈ 167 tons for full-body suits which is an important discovery regarding the biomedical waste in the country. These estimates were found to be higher than those reported by the Asian Development Bank in 2020. All sectors reported low awareness levels and confidence in the country's effectiveness in implementing current BMW management practices.

Biomedical waste management associated with infectious diseases among health care professionals in apex hospitals of a typical south asian city

Biomedical waste from healthcare activities poses a higher hazard of infection and damage than other types of trash. The main objective of the study was to assess the awareness knowledge and practices of biomedical waste management (BMWM) among health care professionals in the health care units. The cross-sectional study was carried out to access the awareness, knowledge and practices of health care professionals for BMWM. Using a qualitative approach, the study was escorted in two Apex hospitals i.e. the Allied Hospital and the District Head Quarter Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan from August 5, 2019 to October 15, 2019. More than 90% of respondents knew the phrase BMWM, but just 35.4% had awareness about biomedical waste regulations. About 71.6% of the respondents were familiar with biomedical waste's color-coding segregation. The study concludes gap in the awareness, knowledge and practices for BMWM. The sanitary workers of the hospitals had no knowledge about BMWM and the BMWM/healthcare waste management rule 2005 established in Pakistan due to the lack of training regarding waste management and the segregation process. Some of the staff members were aware of the BMWM practices under the rules and regulations of Pakistan but were unable to implement at their work place. It is necessary to dispose of the biomedical waste according to the established terms and conditions of BMWM rules (2005) of Pakistan. Weak structure of BMWM was observed at the study sites due to the lack of training, liabilities and absence of penalties against improper biomedical waste disposal as violation of the rules and regulations. It's a dire need of the time to consider the biomedical waste as hazardous waste and make policies for its safe disposal and ensure the implementation of the policies in all the medical centers of Pakistan.

Biomedical waste disposal practices among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in secondary and tertiary care facilities of Tamil Nadu

PurposeThe ongoing COVID-19 crisis has drastically changed the practice of biomedical waste (BMW) generation and management. Studies venturing into the facility level preparedness at various levels of healthcare delivery during pandemic situation is the need of the hour. Hence, we did this study to assess the BMW disposal practices amongst secondary and tertiary health facilities during COVID-19 pandemic in Tamil Nadu. Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst doctors, nurses and allied healthcare staffs across various departments in 18 public health facilities across six districts of Tamil Nadu. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done based on the random-intercept model to assess the determinants of BMW disposal practices. The effect size was reported as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). ResultsIn total, 2593 BMW disposal observations were made. During nearly three-fourth of the observations (73%), the BMW was disposed of appropriately. Nurses (aOR ​= ​1.54; 95%CI: 1.06–2.23) and doctors (aOR ​= ​1.60; 95%CI: 1.05–2.45), healthcare workers in Paediatrics department (aOR ​= ​1.77; 95%CI: 1.13–2.76), healthcare workers in inpatient department (aOR ​= ​2.77; 95%CI: 1.95–3.94) and injection outpatient department (aOR ​= ​2.69; 95%CI: 1.59–4.47) had significantly better odds of having appropriate BMW disposal practices. ConclusionOur study shows that nearly during three-fourth of the observations, healthcare workers performed appropriate BMW disposal practices. However, measures should be taken to achieve 100% compliance by healthcare workers especially the target groups identified in our study by allocating appropriate resources and periodically monitor the BMW disposal practices.

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.

Evaluation of solid biomedical waste management practices in six health facilities in southern Benin

Evaluation of solid biomedical waste management practices in six health facilities in southern Benin

Evaluation of solid biomedical waste management practices in six health facilities in southern Benin

Introduction: Health care generates biomedical waste that present risks to humans and the environment if poorly managed. The objective of this study was to assess the management practices of solid biomedical waste in southern Benin. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in six health facilities. The study included 12 administrative agents selected by reasoned choice and 431 health care agents selected by convenience. The data were collected by questionnaire, interview, and observation. They concerned variables related to the production, the practice of managing, knowledge of the impact of solid biomedical waste on the environment and health, training and protection of personnel. Data analysis was done with R 4.5.0 software. Quantitative variables were described by median and interquartile range. Proportions were compared with the chi-square test or that of Fisher at the threshold of 0.05. Results: The health facilities did not have solid biomedical waste management database. Sorting was not systematic in 59.5 %. Final storage locations did not meet standards. Almost one in four health workers (24.4 %) were injured by biomedical waste. Overall, 45.8 % of the staff had been trained at least once on biomedical waste management. 61 % of the staff surveyed were vaccinated, hepatitis B (41.3 %), tetanus (32.9 %). Conclusion: In view of the results, it is necessary to ensure the on ongoing awareness and training of medical staff in the sorting and packaging of biomedical waste and to set up an efficient and sustainable solid biomedical waste management system with effective monitoring mechanisms.

Assessment of Disposal Practices among Health Workers in Selected Hospitals in Abuja

Safe disposal procedures of biomedical wastes cannot be overstressed in achieving efficient waste management and mitigating environmental hazards and risk of exposure to humans. The investigation was conducted to assess the disposal procedures of biomedical waste in selected hospitals in Abuja. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and on-the-spot observation. Six hospitals that provided health care services in Abuja were surveyed. Descriptive, inferential statistics and reliability tests were used to analyze the data. Chi-square (χ2) test was used to determine the association between standard handling practices of biomedical waste and biomedical waste management with (p<0.05). The result showed that the respondents agreed to these methods of disposal in this order where the burning pit was the predominant method of disposal, followed by incineration, dumping site, landfill, and burial. The disposal plans were inefficient as black bags of wastes littered the temporary dumpsite at the hospital premises and the use of unprotected dysfunctional incineration. The Cronbach’s alpha α = 0.830, loading factor (0.735-0.939) which indicates that the measuring tool was reliable and the items on the questionnaire showed interrelatedness and consistency. A coordinated system for tracking and monitoring treatment and disposal procedures of biomedical wastes is critical in the combat against epidemics and environmental pollution. Improved, safe and environmentally friendly disposal procedures should be employed. The health workers who are the waste generators are obliged to monitor, conduct risk assessments, and formulate policies for the safe disposal of biomedical wastes.

Medical laboratory waste generation rate, management practices and associated factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Biomedical wastes (BMWs) generated from medical laboratories are hazardous and can endanger both humans and the environment. Highly infectious biomedical wastes are produced at an unacceptably high rate from health laboratories in developing countries with poor management systems, such as Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of biomedical waste generation, management practices, and associated factors in public healthcare medical laboratories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. From July 13 to September 25, 2020, a health institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 hospital laboratories and 20 health centres laboratories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of biomedical waste management and generation rate were collected d in health facilities using pre tested data collection tools. SPSS version 20 was used to manage the data. To identify independent predictors of the dependent variable, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, linear, and logistic regression analysis were used. The strength of the association was determined using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. In this study, the mean ± SD daily generation rate of biomedical wastes was 4.9 ± 3.13 kg/day per medical laboratory. Nineteen medical laboratories (74.3%) had proper biomedical waste management practice, which is significantly associated with professionals' knowledge of biomedical waste management policies and guidelines, the availability of separate financial sources for biomedical waste management, and the level of training of professionals. The study found that medical laboratories in Addis Ababa's public healthcare facilities generate a significant amount of biomedical waste. Nearly two-thirds of hospitals performed proper waste segregation, collection, storage, and treatment procedures for biomedical waste generated in their laboratories. However, there was a poor transportation and disposal method. As a result, paying special attention and implementing the current national guidelines for biomedical waste management is recommended.

Safe practices of biomedical and dental waste management amongst practicing dental professionals amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Biomedical waste can potentially compromise the environment and public safety if not safely disposed. The aim was to assess the understanding and safe practices of biomedical and dental waste amongst the dental practitioners and practical year students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured and validated questionnaire consisting of 21 closed ended questions was used to collect data from dental practitioners and students working in hospitals and clinics. The questionnaire was distributed in paper and digital form amongst the participants. Descriptive analysis was performed for categorical and numerical variables. Spearman correlation test was used to assess the relationship between awareness and waste disposal practices of dentists. A p-value of≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. More than three fourth of the participants were aware of proper dental waste disposal steps. One half was aware of the color-coded segregation of biomedical waste management. Two third of the participants were deploying safe biomedical waste practices. Nearly 68% subjects allocated separate labeled containers for disposal of COVID-19 suspected patient's waste. Furthermore, 71.63% participants were practicing PCR test before aerosol procedures. While 88.65% participants believed that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the financial burden in terms of safe practices and dental waste management. The awareness and practices of the participants towards dental waste management was found to be moderate. Satisfactory COVID-19 prevention and transmission measures were observed amongst the participants. BMW management lessons should be included in the academic curriculum and training program needs to be adopted for mass awareness.

Biomedical Waste Management-Related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices among Clinical Dental Undergraduates in State of Punjab in India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Introduction Dental operatories generate a large amount of biomedical waste, and improper management of this waste poses a threat to all sections of society. Hence, being a dental practitioner, one must ensure proper management and handling of health care waste. Aims and Objectives This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and Amendments, 2018 and 2019, among clinical undergraduates in dental colleges of the state of Punjab in India. Settings and Design A cross-sectional study. The study was performed among 845 clinical undergraduates in dental institutes of Punjab. Materials and Methods The methodologies used were descriptive statistics and nonparametric techniques using the Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn–Bonferroni post hoc test. Results Only 47% dental students have adequate knowledge and 48% students show positive attitude toward biomedical waste management. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Whereas, only 34% students were practicing these rules in the correct manner and this is found to be statistically insignificant. Also, the city of Ludhiana is the model district for the implementation of the Environmentally Sound Management of Medical Wastes project by United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and dental students of institutions involved in this project were found to be most aware about these rules among other institutes in Punjab. Conclusion The current study suggests that the knowledge and implementation of biomedical waste management practices among dental students in the state of Punjab are not adequate. It also suggests that including dental institutions in model projects of biomedical wastes will raise awareness regarding the same exponentially.