A Study of Health Care Professionals' Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices About Biomedical Waste Management In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Puducherry

Abstract

Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are frequently involved in the generation, separation, and disposal of biological waste (BMW). The three criteria utilized to measure the effective functioning of the Institution's BMW management system are knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of BMW management among HCWs. This study aimed to analyze health care professionals' knowledge, attitudes and practices about biomedical waste and its management in the study environment. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 160 health care professionals in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry was done. Conclusion: Postgraduates and interns were more knowledgeable about BMW management than the other categories. Nurses and sanitary staffs were not as good as laboratory technicians. Sanitation personnel were clueless about BMW management. On the other hand, their actions were out of proportion to their level of understanding and attitude. As a result, a yearly continuing medical education programme on BMW management should teach and update both newly appointed and incumbent HCWs.