Knowledge and attitude of dental students towards biomedical waste management in two institutes of Belgaum city: A questionnaire study.

Dr. Samrudhi Shukla; Dr .Sheetal Ghivari

Volume : IV, Issue : IX, September - 2015

Knowledge and attitude of dental students towards biomedical waste management in two institutes of Belgaum city: A questionnaire study.

Dr. Samrudhi Shukla, Dr . Sheetal Ghivari

Abstract :

Introduction: The waste generated during health care procedures carries higher potential for infection and injury than other type of waste. Inadequate knowledge about handling heath care waste may have serious health consequences and impact on environment as well. The objective was to access knowledge and attitude of dental students of two institutes of Belgaum city regarding biomedical waste management. Materials and methods: this was a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted among the students of two institutes of Belgaum city. Survey form was composed of 14 self administered questions based on knowledge and attitude dental students regarding biomedical waste management .The resulting data was coded and statistical analysis was done. Results: Regarding the awareness of biomedical waste management 33.3% of students from KLE College were not aware of safe management of biomedical waste. Regarding the disposal of waste 56.4% of KLE and 43.6 % MMDC students believe that biomedical waste should be disposed in corporation bins. Regarding Amalgam disposal 58.1%KLE and 41.9% MMDC students believe that amalgam should not be disposed in the sink and bins. 49.1% KLE and 50.9%MMDC students believe that amalgam should be disposed in photographic fixer solution. 59.3% KLE interns agree needle burner should be used for disposal of sharp wastes 83.3% of MMDC students believe that common bin should be used for disposal of sharp wastes. 56.2% of KLE and 43.8%MMDC students disagree that safe management of waste is a responsibility of practioner. 46.8%KLE and 43.2%MMDC students have knowledge about the Tendency of cross infection if biomedical waste is not handled properly. Conclusion: It was concluded that not all the students were aware of safe management of biomedical waste. Further training should be included in their curriculum for safe management of biomedical waste and legal issues related to this topic.