Biomedical waste management: A study of knowledge, attitude, and practices in a tertiary health care institution in Bijapur

TLDR: This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the employees of Bijapur liberal district education association (BLDEA) and Shri BM Patil Medical College and Hospital, BijAPur regarding bio-medical waste management.

Abstract: Health care waste refers to all the waste generated by a health care establishment. It is estimated that 10-25% of health care waste is hazardous, with the potential for creating a variety of health problems.(1) Bio-medical waste (BMW) collection and proper disposal has become a significant concern for both the medical and the general community.(2) Since the implementation of the Biomedical Waste Management and Handling Rules (1998),(3) every concerned health personnel is expected to have proper knowledge, practice, and capacity to guide others for waste collection and management, and proper handling techniques. Bijapur district in the northern part of Karnataka State has two district hospital and Medical college hospital, including a secondary level health care service. This study was undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the employees of Bijapur liberal district education association (BLDEA's) Shri BM Patil Medical College and Hospital, Bijapur. This cross-sectional study was carried out in the month of November 2007. A total of 334 employees were surveyed, out of which 180 were non-teaching and 154 were teaching staff. A pretested, self-administered questionnaire containing questions on KAP regarding bio-medical waste management was used. Before administering the questionnaire the purpose of the study was explained to all participating employees. For statistical analysis we calculated percentages and applied the Chi-square test. Anonymity of the participants was maintained throughout the study.