KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS TOWARDS BIO MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MEDICALAND SURGICAL SETTINGS AT A GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE, GOA

Abstract

Background: Correct knowledge and attitude are critical towards bringing about a favourable change in practice. Medical professionals in India have always turned a blind eye to scientific management of BMW. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practices of health care workers regarding specific aspects of Bio Medical Waste Rules, 2016 and its amendments. Material & Methods: In this cross-sectional survey data was collected among 250 randomly selected doctors and nurses from an apex Government medical college hospital in Goa during the period September 2019 to December 2019 using a self-administered questionnaire. The results are expressed as percentages, and the significance of difference in percentages is expressed using chi-square test at 95% confidence level. Results: Overall, the knowledge regarding BMW Rules was poor, especially with regards to the segregation practices and the colour coded bins, with their practices being non-concurrent with the prevailing rules. An assessment of attitudes, however, revealed their positive inclination towards proper BMWM. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for periodic reorientation of these health care workers in elements of Bio Medical Waste Management, especially the segregation.