Biomedical Waste Management: A Study of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Medical, Dental and Nursing Students in a Teaching College

ABSTRACT

Background: Bio-medical waste is perilous and can be a health hazard. Medical, dental and nursing graduatesspend maximum time during their clinical posting with the patients which increases their chance of exposureand risk related to biomedical waste. Therefore, they need to be aware about biomedical waste management.Purpose: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding biomedical waste managementamong medical, dental and nursing students. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carriedout to access the knowledge and awareness about biomedical waste. The structured self-administeredquestionnaires were used for data collection. Results: Out of the total 300 students enrolled in this study(Group I Medical, Group 2 Dental, Group 3 Nursing students), 20 medical 13 dental and 23 nursing failed torespond to the questionnaire. MBBS students had more knowledge but better attitude towards BMWmanagement guidelines were seen in nursing students (p<0.001). 86% of the participating candidates hadcorrect knowledge about definition of BMW. Only around 38% of candidates had knowledge of segregationof waste but none had knowledge of correct colour coding. 88% of candidates confirmed that recordmaintenance was essential but they did lack to answer what kinds of records are important to maintain forbiomedical waste management. 94% of the participating candidates said that BMW is teamwork. Conclusion:There is a need for rigorous training programme and monitoring for medical students