National Journal of Community Medicine (Dec 2011)
Biomedical Waste Management: Awareness and Practices in A District Of Madhya Pradesh
Abstract
Background: A hospital is an establishment that provides medical care facilities. Since the majority of the persons receiving treatment in the hospital are suffering with infectious diseases therefore, the waste generated in hospital has potential to transmit infections and other hazards to hospital staff and nearby community, if not managed adequately. Adequate awareness in the hospital staff and practices regarding the biomedical waste management is crucial to prevent these hazards. Objective: To assess the awareness and existing practices regarding biomedical waste and its management in a district of Madhya Pradesh. Material And Methods: The present study was a cross sectional study carried out in both urban and rural health facilities of Gwalior district from Jan to Jun 2008. Only those hospitals having indoor care facility were included randomly. Medical, para-medical and non-medical personnel working at their current position for at least 6 months were included as study participants to assess awareness. Statistical Analysis: Percentage and Proportion were applied to interpret the result. Results: Awareness regarding biomedical waste management was highest among doctors followed by para-medical staff and least among non-medical staff. Practices of waste management in hospitals were grossly inadequate, particularly in rural area. Conclusion: The present study concludes that regular orientation and re-orientation training programs should be organized for hospital staff and strict implementation of guidelines of biomedical waste management, to protect themselves and hospital visitors.
