Awareness and Practice Concerning Biomedical Waste Management with Special Reference to COVID-19 among Healthcare Providers at a Tertiary Care Centre in Karnataka, India

Introduction: Growing healthcare facilities to provide better health for patients have contributed in increased generation of Biomedical Waste (BMW). Emergence of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has added to this burden. BMW carries a higher risk of infections, injuries and also environmental hazards. Effective management of BMW is a fundamental practice of healthcare providers in averting health and environmental hazards. Aim: To know about the awareness and practice concerning BMW management among healthcare provider at tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at district hospital attached to Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, Madikeri, Karnataka, India, for seven months during July 2021 to January 2022. A total of 232 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who were involved in patient caring participated in this study. Study included Questionnaires (30 questions) regarding awareness and practice of BMW management. The data was procured by structured self-administered questionnaire through Google forms. Results: The study showed that majority of participants had good awareness and modest numbers of participants were practicing proper method of waste management. About 93.5% were aware of BMW management categories, 98.7% of participants knew regarding which coloured bags are used for collection. Study identified some gaps in awareness and practices. About 49.1% participants dispose used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during COVID-19 into proper bag, only 27.6% participants knew correctly regarding maximum time limit to store BMW. Conclusion: Every healthcare provider must have proper knowledge and awareness of BMW management. It is necessary to contain transmission of infection and prevention of environmental hazards caused due to BMW. The study emphasises the need for regular monitoring and training requirement at all level to bridge the awareness gap. Proper BMW handling and disposal are components of infection control measures.