Original Research Article
Year: 2014 | Month: January | Volume: 4 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 10-16
An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices about Biomedical Waste Management among Owners of Nursing Homes/Private Hospitals in the Central Area of Uttar Pradesh, India
Anish Khanna
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, KG Medical University, Lucknow.
Corresponding Author: Anish Khanna
ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding biomedical waste management among owners of nursing homes/ private hospitals.
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study design conducted in the city of Lucknow for a period of 4 months between May-August, 2013. The owners of the private nursing homes/ private hospitals (having bed>50) of Lucknow city were interviewed. A total of 40 subjects were included in the study.
Results: Majority (80%) of the subjects were MD/MS in different disciplines of medicine and surgery. The duration of running of hospital was ≥10 among 57.5% of the subjects. About half (55%) of the subjects received any training BMW management. There was a significant difference in the BMW knowledge and attitude scores for age greater than 40 years and less than 40 years of age (p<0.001). The knowledge and attitude score was higher who had any training on BMW management compared with those who did not had any training. Higher percentages of subjects (77.5%) were aware about HIV might transmit through BMW. Majority (90%) felt that safe management of health care waste was an extra burden on work.
Conclusion: The importance of training regarding biomedical waste management cannot be overemphasized; lack of proper and complete knowledge about biomedical waste management impacts practices of appropriate waste disposal among medicos as well as paramedical staff
Key words: Biomedical waste, knowledge, attitude