A Study to assess the knowledge and Practices regarding Biomedical Waste Management among health team members of selected Primary Health Centres, Bangalore South Dev Gowtham1,*, Dr. Thressiamma P.M2, Sunil M.B.3 1Research Coordinator, Cenre for Gerontoligcal Studies, Kerala University of Health Sciences 2Principal, Dr. B. R Ambedkar Institute of Nursing (DRBRIN), Kadugondanahalli, Bangalore-560045, drbrain2015@gmail.com, pmthresiamma@gmail.com 3Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Adesh University, Bathinda, Punjab, sunielgowda@gmail.com *Corresponding Author E-mail: gdev.alackal@gmail.com
Online published on 7 April, 2020. Abstract Background The current health scenario is much diseased with the problem of biomedical waste management. The mismanagement in this arena can result in potential health hazard to the health personals and even to the community. With sophistication in technology and with the introduction of rules on biomedical waste management it cannot be assured that the health settings are safe. Hence a time to time assessment of the knowledge and practices of health team members has to be done. Aims and objectives The main aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and practices of health team members regarding biomedical waste management and to determine the association of knowledge and practices with the selected demographic variables. Study Design A descriptive correlational research design was used for the present study. Samples and Sampling technique A total of 100 health team members were selected for the study using convenience sampling technique. Methods of data collection Date was collected by using proforma for socio demographic variables, structured questionnaire to assess knowledge and an observational checklist to assess the practices. Results Data collected were analyzed by using inferential and descriptive statistics. The results of the present study revealed that, 78% among the health team members had moderately adequate knowledge. The practice aspect was also found to be moderately adequate for 64% of respondents. A substantial coefficient of correlation value (r = 0.694) was established between knowledge and practice interpreting that, as knowledge increases practice also increase. The computed Chi-square values to find out the association between levels of knowledge and practice with demographic variables were found to be significant for age, educational qualification, designation and professional experience with P-values of 0.011, 0.001, 0.001and 0.014 respectively at 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion The study concluded that majority among the health team members were having moderately adequate knowledge and practices. The study also revealed a significant positive correlation between knowledge and practice. A better intervention from the side of Government can still make a hike in existing knowledge and practices thus making the health team members as well as the population safe. Top Keywords Knowledge, practice, health team members, biomedical waste. Top |