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Original Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Bio medical waste (BMW) collection and proper disposal has become
a significant concern for both the medical and general community. Effective
management of biomedical waste is not only a legal necessity but also a social
responsibility.
Objective: To know the knowledge, attitude and practice among health care
personnels working in tertiary care centre.
Methods: The study was conducted from January 2013 to June 2013. It was a
descriptive observational hospital based cross sectional study. Study participants
included the resident doctors intern doctors, nursing staff, laboratory technicians,
ward boys and sweepers working in the institute who are dealing with BMW. The
study was conducted by using pretested, semi-structured proforma. The data was
tabulated and interpretation was done by using percentages through Epi Info 3.5.1
software.
Keywords: bio medical waste, knowledge, attitude, practice, health care personnel
INTRODUCTION
immunization of human beings or
According to Bio-Medical Waste animals or in research activities
(management and handling) rules, 1998 pertaining thereto or in the production
of India, Bio Medical Waste (BMW) or testing of biological and includes ten
means any solid, fluid, or liquid waste categories for same [1]. Majority of
including its containers and any waste (75-90%) produced by the
intermediate product which is generated healthcare providers is non-risk or
during the diagnosis, treatment, or general and it is estimated that the
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Chudasama Rajesh et al: KAP of Bio Medical Waste management www. jrmds.in
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Chudasama Rajesh et al: KAP of Bio Medical Waste management www. jrmds.in
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Chudasama Rajesh et al: KAP of Bio Medical Waste management www. jrmds.in
Table 2: Awareness about Bio Medical Waste (BMW) and its management among health care personnel
Yes No
Awareness P value 95% CI
No. (%) No. (%)
Heard about Bio Medical Waste (BMW) 269 (95.4) 13 (4.6) 1.24 92.9-97.9
Heard about BMW Rule/Act, 1998 145 (51.4) 137 (48.6) 2.97 45.5-57.4
Received any training for BMW management 126 (44.7) 156 (55.3) 2.96 38.8-50.6
Know about Bio Hazard Symbol 247 (87.6) 35 (12.4) 1.96 83.7-91.5
Is present hospital generates BMW 272 (96.5) 10 (3.6) 1.10 94.2-98.7
Know all BMW management categories 114 (40.4) 168 (59.6) 2.92 34.6-46.3
Is any BMW management disposal policy there in
244 (86.5) 38 (13.5) 2.03 82.5-90.6
present hospital
Any health hazard associated with BMW 274 (97.2) 8 (2.8) 0.98 95.2-99.1
Is BMW transmits any disease 251 (89.0) 31 (11.0) 1.86 85.3-92.7
Are different coloured bags used to dispose BMW 272 (96.5) 10 (3.6) 1.10 94.2-98.7
Regular educational program/training needed for
252 (89.4) 30 (10.6) 1.83 85.7-93.0
BMW
Any guideline provided for colour coding at work
229 (81.2) 53 (18.8) 2.32 76.6-85.9
area
Identified all coloured bags used for BMW collection 238 (84.4) 44 (15.6) 2.16 80.1-88.7
Identified methods for BMW management 233 (82.6) 49 (17.4) 2.25 78.1-87.1
Table 3: Practice of health care personnel regarding Bio Medical Waste (BMW) and its management
Yes No
Practice P value 95% CI
No. (%) No. (%)
Maintaining BMW records at work place 210(74.5) 72(25.5) 2.59 69.3-79.7
Segregation of BMW done at work place 245(86.9) 37(13.1) 2.01 82.9-90.9
Disinfection of BMW done before disposal at work
239(84.8) 43(15.2) 2.14 80.5-89.0
place
Using personal protective measures while handling
239(84.8) 43(15.2) 2.14 80.5-89.0
BMW
Personal protective measures procured for handling
235(83.3) 47(16.7) 2.21 78.9-87.8
BMW
Proper storage facility provided for collecting BMW
247(87.9) 34(12.1) 1.93 84.0-91.8
at work place
Provided with hub cutter for needles and syringes 245(86.9) 37(13.1) 2.01 82.9-90.9
Any record available for injuries related to BMW 49(17.4) 233(82.6) 2.25 12.9-21.9
Know the place where BMW treated 123(43.6) 159(56.4) 2.95 37.7-49.5
Practicing correct method for collecting used
226 (80.1) 56 (19.9) 2.38 75.4-84.9
disposable plastic items
Practicing correct method for collecting soiled
187(66.8) 93(33.2) 2.80 61.2-72.4
dressings/plaster casts/linen
Practicing correct method for collecting sharps and
178(63.1) 104(36.9) 2.87 57.4-68.96
needles
Practicing correct method for collecting human
199(70.6) 83(29.4) 2.71 65.1-76.0
anatomical waste
Journal of Research in Medical and Dental Science | Vol. 1 | Issue 1 | July – September 2013 20
Chudasama Rajesh et al: KAP of Bio Medical Waste management www. jrmds.in
were observed in other study also [8,10]. 3. Central pollution control board.
Low reporting of injuries may be attributed Environmental standard and
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CONCLUSION and practices about biomedical
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Chudasama Rajesh et al: KAP of Bio Medical Waste management www. jrmds.in
Corresponding Author
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