A Study to Assess Knowledge and Practices of Biomedical Waste Management among Housekeeping Staff at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Dr Bharat Singh; Dr Surekha Kashyap

Volume : IX, Issue : IV, April - 2020

A Study to Assess Knowledge and Practices of Biomedical Waste Management among Housekeeping Staff at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Dr Bharat Singh, Dr Surekha Kashyap

Abstract :

Hospitals are health institutions providing patient care services. In the process of health care, waste is generated. Poor management of Biomedical Waste due to lack of knowledge and practices may put healthcare worker and community on risk. The housekeeping staff that cleans the hospital and collects waste may often be at greater risk than a professional medical staff that produces it. The present study was conducted in tertiary care teaching hospital using pre–validated modified questionnaire and observation checklist to assess the knowledge and practices of 128 housekeeping staff. Upon an assessment of knowledge and practices, most of the respondents had poor knowledge (59.38%) and poor compliance to desirable practices (59.38%) with respect to Biomedical Waste Management. Based on study results it can be concluded that, there is a need of multidisciplinary approach (Administrative supervision and continuous sensitization through training & education) to ensure adequate knowledge and compliance to desirable practices