Abstract

A KAP STUDY TO ASSESS BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN A DENTAL COLLEGE IN SOUTH INDIA

Sudeep C. B.*, Joseph Johny, Chaitra T., Joselin Jose, Nithin Prathap and Jose Jacob

ABSTRACT

Health care waste is defined as the total waste stream from a health care facility. Bio-medical waste (BMW) means any waste generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biologicals, including categories mentioned in Schedule I of BMW Management (BMWM) and Handling Rules 1998. Health care institutions are generating large amount of Bio-Medical Waste (BMW), which needs to be properly segregated and treated. With this concern, a questionnaire based cross-sectional study was done to determine the current status of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding biomedical waste management and areas of deficit in a dental teaching hospital in South India. The study result suggested that there was lack of knowledge among the study participants regarding different aspects of BMWM. Proper management of biomedical waste is a crucial issue for maintaining human health and the environment. The waste generated in the hospitals has the potential for spreading infections and causing diseases, hence creating awareness regarding proper waste handling is of upmost importance in any healthcare facility.

Keywords: Awareness, Biomedical waste management, Hospital waste management, Dental College, Cross-sectional survey, Environment, Pollution, Infectious disease.