Awareness And Health Impacts Of Improper Biomedical Waste Management: A Preventive Approach

Abstract

Biomedical waste has now become a global issue. Due to the presence of infectious and hazardous content, improper biomedical waste management can be harmful to human health and the environment. It was necessary to spread awareness among health professionals regarding the hazardous effects of improper biomedical waste management. This study aimed to assess the awareness of health risks due to improper Biomedical waste handling, understanding of infection transmission, knowledge of protective and preventive practices, and training and hospital safety practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 healthcare workers. A high awareness (92%) regarding infections, HAI, and other risks was found among the participants. A significant association was found between awareness and risk indicators of BMW. A significant gap was found in the implementation of preventive approaches for biomedical waste management. Healthcare workers need better instruction and guidance on preventive approaches and biomedical waste management practices.