Assessment Of Practices Of Biomedical Waste Management Among Medical And Nursing Students-An Original Research

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of the present research was to assess the knowledge as well as practices of biomedical waste management amongst various medical as well as nursing students.

Methodology: A cross sectional study was done at a tertiary care teaching hospital among medical and nursing students. A self-administered, predesigned, pretested questionnaire was given to140 participants and data analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.

Results: Majority (80%) of the medical students were aware of the BMW rules whereas only 40% of the nursing students were aware of these rules. There was a statistically significant difference in the knowledge about various aspects of BMW management between the two groups of students. The students had an overall positive attitude towards BMW management but the difference was not significant between the groups. Practices of students regarding BMW management were relatively poor.

Conclusion: Appropriate training programs should be designed for the undergraduate medical and nursing students focussing on BMW management practises.