A study on bio-medical waste management and universal precautions among health care personnel working in a phc area”.

Abstract

To assess knowledge, attitude and practices of medical officers, staff nurses, laboratory technicians, pharmacist and field staff regarding BMW (Bio-medical Waste Management and UP (Universal Precautions). To know the difference in the levels of awareness and practice regarding BMW & UP between trained and untrained health care personnel.To provide recommendations for proper BMW Management and Universal Precautions.Material & Methods: This was a Cross-Sectional study conducted among health care personnel working at the Primary Health Centre with 25 sub-centers in Penamaluru Mandal, Krishna district, AP. A total of 63 health care personnel comprising of Medical Officers, Staff nurses, Pharmacist, CHO, PHN, male and female MPHA and MPHW participated. Data was collected with a pre-designed and pretested proforma with a semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Only 44 (69.8%) of HCP could define what BMW is. Only 21 (33.3%) knew that there is a legislation regarding the management of BMW. Only 54 (85.71%) were aware of the common types of wastes disposed and 52 (82.5%) were able to identify color codes of bins for waste disposal. 26 (41.2%) had some knowledge about hazards of improper disposal of BMW but only 18 (28.57%) were practicing them properly. Correct knowledge regarding Universal Precautions was found among 36 (57.14%) HCP. The level of difference of KAP between trained and untrained personnel was observed but not statistically significant.Conclusion: KAP regarding various aspects of BMWM and UP was inadequate among health care personnel of Primary health centre .The present study revealed the necessity of training with a periodic follow-up and monitoring.