Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Biomedical Waste Management among Dental Health Professionals in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Uttar Pradesh: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the level of attitude and awareness regarding biomedical waste management (BMWM) policy and practice among healthcare workers (HCWs) in tertiary level hospitals in Uttar Pradesh. Materials and methods: This is a questionnaire-based study which was done among 1,000 members of the hospital including undergraduate students, doctors (faculty members and postgraduate students), and class IV employees (cleaners and maintenance personnel). It consisted a total of 33 questions intended to obtain information about knowledge of BMWM practices grouped under three headings (a) knowledge of biomedical waste (BMW) generation, segregation, and categorization;(b) knowledge of BMWM practice in hospitals on procedure and disposal;and (c) awareness regarding best management practices in dental office. Results: The mean scores were calculated and it was found that regarding knowledge of BMW generation, segregation, and categorization, the doctors had significantly more knowledge and dental students were having comparatively least knowledge among all groups, whereas mean value of attitude of BMWM practice in hospitals on procedure and disposal and practice regarding best waste management in dental office has shown statistically significant results with doctors. Conclusion: This study showed that there was a good, satisfactory, and poor level of knowledge, attitude, and practice about BMW generation hazards, legislation, and management among doctors (faculty members and postgraduate students), class IV employees, and dental students, respectively. Clinical significance: The awareness of these BMWM laws among the public, as well as development of policies and enforcement that respect those laws, is essential. Appropriate measures should be taken to minimize hazardous waste where possible or action should be taken to ensure that all generated waste is managed according to the correct norms and regulations. © The Author(s). 2022.