Knowledge, Attitude and Practice about Biomedical Waste Management and impact of awareness classes among Dental students in Lucknow, India

Volume : VII, Issue : VIII, August - 2018

Rajeev Kumar Singh, Vijay Kumar Shakya, Gayathri Prabakaran, Rakesh Kumar Chak

Study Design: Cross sectional observational study

Aim: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice regarding bio–medical waste management

and to assess impact of awareness classes among dental Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of King George�s Medical University, Lucknow

Background data: Biomedical waste is generated in large quantities in dental procedures. This waste is hazardous to the persons coming in contact

with it as well as it has the potential to pollute environment. The awareness of health care professionals towards biomedical waste hazards and its

management can prevent possible hazards.

Materials and methods: Ninety undergraduate and postgraduate students were assessed for their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding

biomedical waste management. A self–structured questionnaire containing 30 questions was given to all the students. The statistical analysis of the

data was done using appropriate statistical tools.

Results: Postgraduate students showed significantly better knowledge (p = 0.021) and practice (p = 0) than undergraduate students. However, there

was no difference in attitude of students towards biomedical waste.

Conclusion: Postgraduate students had significantly better knowledge and practice towards biomedical waste with no difference in attitude.

Awareness lectures were helpful in improving the knowledge and practice of students.