Knowledge attitude and practices of biomedical waste management among medical and nursing students in a teaching hospital of J & K, India

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Original Article

Author Details : Dipender Kaur Najotra*, Poonam Slathia, Shivani Raina, Sarika Ghai

Volume : 7, Issue : 1, Year : 2020

Article Page : 20-23

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijmr.2020.005

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Abstract

Introduction: Biomedical waste (BMW) management means to reduce waste generated from healthcare
facilities and effectively segregate, collect, transport and dispose it in such a way that it is no more
hazardous to HCW (healthcare workers), community or the environment. Lack of awareness and
inadequate knowledge about BMW management can have serious consequences.
Aims & Objectives: To assess and compare the Knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP) of BMW
management among medical and nursing students.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was don e at a tertiary care teaching hospital among
medical and nursing students. A self administered, predesigned, pretested questionnaire was given to140
participants and data analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.
Results: Majority (80%) of the medical students were aware of the BMW rules whereas only 40% of the
nursing students were aware of these rules. There was a statistically significant difference in the knowledge
about various aspects of BMW management between the two groups of students. The students had an
overall positive attitude towards BMW management but the difference was not significant between the
groups. Practices of students regarding BMW management were relatively poor.
Conclusion: BMW management rules should be strictly implemented at all levels to convert knowledge
into good practises. Appropriate training programs should be designed for the undergraduate medical and
nursing students focussing on BMW management practises.

Keywords: Biomedical waste management, BMW, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, KAP.

How to cite : Najotra D K, Slathia P, Raina S, Ghai S, Knowledge attitude and practices of biomedical waste management among medical and nursing students in a teaching hospital of J & K, India. Indian J Microbiol Res 2020;7(1):20-23

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