Awareness About Biomedical Waste Management in Undergraduate Medical and Nursing Students at A Teaching Institute in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh

Authors

  • Ujwala U Ukey Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
  • Ramasankaram Kambatla Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
  • Satyanarayan Dash Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
  • Naidu NR Appajirao Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
  • Ved P Kulkarni RIMS, Srikakulum

Keywords:

Biomedical waste, undergraduate, medical, nursing

Abstract

Background: Bio-medical waste collection and proper disposal is a concern for both medical and general community. Medical and Nursing students during and after completing their studies are at potential risk for hazards due to biomedical waste. Thorough knowledge about the subject will decide their practices. Hence the study was limited only to awareness assessment.

Objective: To assess awareness in undergraduate medical and nursing students about biomedical waste, its hazards and management.

Methods: Data collection was done by a predesigned self administered questionnaire.

Results: MBBS students had a fairly better awareness regarding the subject than nursing students. Almost all study participants were aware about colour coding in segregation of biomedical waste. But when asked about which waste is to be put in which bag, correct response was given by almost half amongst them.

Conclusions: Practical implications related to the matter should be covered so that hazards of biomedical waste are avoided.

References

Government of India. Biomedical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules. 1998. Extraordinary, Part II, Section3, Subsection (ii). The gazette of India, No. 460,27 Jul 1998. .

Safe management of waste from health care activities. WHO, Geneva. 1999.

Mathur V, Dwivedi S, Hassan MA, Misra RP. Knowledge, attitude, and practices about biomedical waste management among healthcare personnel: A cross-sectional study. Indian J Community Med 2011;36:143-5

Central pollution control board, Environmental standard and guidelines for management of hospital waste. CPCB, Ministry of Environment and Forest, New Delhi, Jun 1996.

Yadavannavar MC, Berad AS, Jagirdar PB. Biomedical waste management: A study of knowledge, attitude, and practices in a tertiary health care institution in Bijapur. Indian J Community Med 2010;35:170-1

Pandit NB, Mehta HK, Kartha GP, Choudhary SK. Management of bio-medical waste: Awareness and practices in a district of Gujarat. Indian J Public Health 2005; 49:245-7.

Janhavi G, Raju PVR. Awareness and training need of biomedical waste management among undergraduate students Andhra Pradesh. Indian J Public Health.2006; 50(1):53-54.

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Published

2012-09-30

How to Cite

1.
Ukey UU, Kambatla R, Dash S, Appajirao NN, Kulkarni VP. Awareness About Biomedical Waste Management in Undergraduate Medical and Nursing Students at A Teaching Institute in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2012 Sep. 30 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];3(03):428-32. Available from: https://www.njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/1736

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Section

Original Research Articles