Knowledge and awareness about biomedical waste segregation and disposal among pre-final year medical students at a tertiary care hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20221358Keywords:
Biomedical waste, Colour coding, Segregation, ProphylaxisAbstract
Background: Biomedical waste is any waste that is created during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunisation of human beings or animals, or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the manufacturing or testing of biologicals. India produces 500 tonnes of biomedical waste every day through numerous activities. It is projected that 10-25% of the total waste is produced by the health care sector, which leads to severe health problems. If an appropriate measure is not incorporated into the current system, the negative effects of medical waste on the public and the environment will be hilarious. With this backdrop, a research study was carried out among medical students perusing under graduating in medicine, aiming to optimise their level of knowledge of biomedical waste segregation and disposal.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design was espoused to study among the 3rd year medical students. A random sampling method was chosen to select 150 students. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information from them. Descriptive analysis was employed and the finding was presented in tabular and pictorial forms.
Results: Half of the students had good knowledge over BMW. Awareness of segregation wastes and colour coding among them was very poor.
Conclusions: The study has unearthed the fact that half of the medical students haven’t had adequate knowledge of BMW management. Hands-on training at regular intervals with the updated information would enhance the students' knowledge and skills, and fill the lacuna in this area of research.
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