KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES ABOUT BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG HEALTHCARE PERSONNEL IN DAWADMI & SHAQRA(RIYADH PROVINCES), KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Khalid Alotaibi* and Sanjay Deshwali, Sanjo Gupta

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Biomedical waste management (BWM) involves all individuals who play a role in generating, collecting, receiving, storing, transporting, treating, disposing, or handling biomedical waste in any form. The categorization of biomedical waste is crucial for proper handling and disposal. The majority of BMW, approximately 75% to 90%, falls into the non-hazardous or general health-care waste category. This includes items that do not pose direct risks to health or the environment. However, the remaining 10% to 25% of BMW is considered hazardous and can lead to various environmental and health risks. Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at 4 Tertiary Care Hospitals in Dawadmi & Shaqra(Riyadh Provinces) Saudi Arabia from the year 2023 (Mar to Aug). Institutional Review Board/ Ethical Review Board was taken from each hospitals before commencing the study. All the House Job Officers, Residents, Consultants, Physicians were included in the study. Results & Conclusion: The study paints a positive picture of waste management practices in surveyed hospitals, with healthcare professionals demonstrating good knowledge of waste categorization and adherence to recommended practices. The findings provide valuable insights that can guide interventions aimed at enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of medical waste management in healthcare settings.

Keywords: All the House Job Officers, Residents, Consultants, Physicians were included in the study.