Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management among Health Care Personnel in Bareilly International University, Bareilly, India

INTRODUCTION: Biomedical Waste is defined as any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunisation of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological products. Healthcare workers are one of the main contributors to the healthcare waste management process. AIM: The study aimed to assess the level of awareness and attitude regarding biomedical waste management policy and practices among health care workers at Bareilly International University, Bareilly, India. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire with closed-ended questions which was distributed to 150 medical, 154 dental and 100 Class IV employees at Bareilly International University, India. The responses in the questionnaire were used to assess their knowledge of biomedical waste disposal. The responses were evaluated, and each participant's percentage of correct and incorrect responses for each question was calculated. RESULTS: The results indicated that all healthcare professionals had a low degree of knowledge and awareness regarding the risks associated with biomedical waste formation, legal requirements, and management. Only 11 (7.14%) dental interns had excellent knowledge about biomedical waste generation and legislation while 5 (3.33%) medical interns had extremely poor knowledge about it. Only 4 (4%) Class IV employees had an excellent awareness of biomedical waste management practices. Only 34 (22.08%) dental interns had an excellent level of knowledge of needle-stick injuries among health care personnel. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that health care professionals have a low degree of knowledge and awareness regarding the risks of biomedical waste generation, laws, and management at Bareilly International University, India hence there is a requirement for regular monitoring and training at all levels of healthcare.