A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE OF BIO-MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONGST NAÏVE MEDICAL STUDENTS: THE NEED FOR EARLY INTERVENTION

Abstract

Introduction: Biomedical waste (BMW) generated during diagnosis, treatment or immunization is infectious, hazardous, and deleterious for humans, animals, and the environment. Across-sectional study with Pre-test and Post-test assessment was carried out on 115 newly enrolled rstyear MBBS students as study subjects. The study aimed to assess and impart knowledge regarding BMW management to naïve Medical Students. Also considering them to be representative of the community, we assessed this knowledge among the community. Methods and Material:Apredesigned Performa consisting of multiple-choice questions related to BMW management, for a pre-test and post-test assessment was used for data collection. A score was assigned for each correct response. Accordingly, participants were categorized as having Good, Average, or Poor knowledge regarding the subject. The data were statistically analyzed using paired "t" test with Wilcoxon correction by Graph Pad Prism. Results: The P-value was statistically signicant (p-value<0.5). The knowledge was good during pre and post-assessment but to translate the knowledge into Attitude and Practice (KAP) there is a need to conduct regular periodic training among healthcare workers (HCWs). Discussion: BMW is considered to be infectious and/or hazardous and has reached the community beyond hospital settings. Thus, adequate KAP is essential for HCW and the general population. There is a need to educate HCWand the community to handle BMW. The initiatives should start from the initial training days. Periodic training and monitoring of practice towards BMWmanagement are needed to improve public health.