AWARENESS ON BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT (BMW) AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF PUNJAB

Dr. Monika Bhardwaj* and Dr. Rajiv Joshi

ABSTRACT

Biomedical waste (BMW) collection and proper disposal have become a significant concern for both the medical and the general community. Today, about one fourth of biomedical waste is considered as hazardous and may affect the health of both medical personnel and general community. Medical students as future professionals are soon going to be an integral part of health care system. They should have proper and sufficient knowledge on BMW management. Moreover, the awareness about various aspects of BMW management has to be assessed frequently too. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess the existing awareness and knowledge about BMW management among students of a medical college in Punjab to identify the gaps and to take necessary steps for rectification. An observational descriptive study was done on 110 students of second professional year at a medical college in Punjab by administering a pre-designed questionnaire. The data was analyzed using software SPSS 16 version. 73.6% of the students were not aware of BMW legislation. A perusal of results revealed that 47.2% medical students did not have adequate knowledge regarding handling and safe disposal of BMW. Majority had deficient knowledge and awareness regarding categories of BMW (71.8%) and its disposal in colour bags (60.9%). This study presses upon the need for generating awareness about safe handling and disposal of biomedical waste among medical students by organizing campaigns and conducting special classes to improve the knowledge for future practical application.

Keywords: Biomedical waste, awareness, undergraduate, medical.