Abstract

Background: Bio-medical waste (BMW) means any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological or in health camps. For proper management of the waste in the health-care facilities, the staff is needed to be technically sound in handling of BMW as per BMW management (BMWM) Rules, 2016.

Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted among the doctors, staff nurses and sanitary staffs to assess the knowledge and attitude regarding BMWM at Tertiary Care Hospital.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February 2021 at Tertiary Care Hospital in Surendranagar district. Total 150 Health Care Personnel were selected by Systemic Random Sampling and their Knowledge and Attitude was assessed by pre-designed, pre-tested and semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24.

Results: Out of the total 150 study participants, 98 (65.33%) was taken training on BMWM. On assessing their knowledge and attitude, it was seen that 71.33% were having Good Knowledge and 89.33% were having Good Attitude toward BMWM. Status of Training was associated with the level of knowledge as well as level of attitude of study participant regarding BMWM (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Resident Doctors and Nursing Staff were having Good Knowledge and Attitude as compared to Sanitary Staff. Training about BMWM was having Positive Effect on Knowledge and attitude of participants.

Key words: Bio-Medical Waste; Knowledge; Attitude