Abstract

"Context: Globally 18 to 64% of healthcare institutions are reported to have unsatisfactory Bio-Medical Waste Management (BMWM) facilities.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding biomedical waste management of hospital nursing staff
Method: A hospital based cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 100 nursing staff working in Khaja Banda Nawaz Institute of Medical Sciences, Hospital Kalburgi.
Result: Majority had knowledge regarding 92% colour coding , 77% sources of bio-medical waste, 75% steps in its management and 68% diseases transmitted through it and 91% had positive attitude towards biomedical waste management. Among practices (90%) are using needle hub cutter for needles and syringes and (84%) segregation of bio-medical waste and (81%) following personal protective measures at their work place.
Conclusion: The overall knowledge, attitude and practice regarding bio-medical waste management among the study participants were found to be average. Knowledge was poor regarding correct categories of BMW. Only 57% are maintaining bio-medical waste record at their work place. It is recommended to have strict supervision by the administrative personnel and periodical reorientation on biomedical waste management guidelines.
"

Key words: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Bio-medical waste management, Nursing staff