Publication:

A cross-sectional study on knowledge, attitude and practice of biomedical waste management among nursing officers in Government General Hospital, Mahabubabad

Background Biomedical waste management (BMWM) is an important component of hospital infection control, occupational safety and environmental protection. Nursing officers play a key role in segregation and safe disposal of biomedical waste. Aim was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding BMWM among nursing officers in Government General Hospital, Mahabubabad.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted over 15 days among 100 nursing officers selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire comprising 10 knowledge, 5 attitude and 6 practice questions. Knowledge was categorized as low (0-6), moderate (7-8) and high (9-10); attitude as favourable or unfavourable; and practice as good or poor. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results High knowledge was observed in 84% of participants, moderate knowledge in 15% and low knowledge in 1%. A favourable attitude was observed in 93.4%, while 85.1% demonstrated good practice. Only 51% reported ensuring that biomedical waste containers were not overfilled.

Conclusions The study demonstrated high knowledge, a favourable attitude and generally good BMWM practice among nursing officers, with specific practice gaps that can be addressed through periodic training and monitoring.