Household Biomedical Waste in Urban Bangalore: Gaps in Awareness and Practices – A Situation analysis in an urban area in Bangalore

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has increased domiciliary care, leading to a surge in household biomedical waste (HBMW). Inadequate management of HBMW poses risks to public health and the environment. This study aimed to assess awareness and practices related to HBMW management and COVID-19 waste disposal among households in urban Bangalore.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 systematically selected households in the urban field practice area of a medical college in Bangalore. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were applied, and associations between socio-demographic variables and HBMW practices were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests.

Results: Awareness of HBMW was low, with only 7.8% of households identifying biomedical waste correctly, and 15.3% practicing segregation at the source. Among households with COVID-19 cases (13.3%), 95.8% followed home isolation; however, only 63% disposed of masks appropriately. Socio-economic status and place of residence showed significant associations with HBMW awareness and practices (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The study highlights considerable gaps in HBMW awareness and management at the household level. Strengthening community awareness, enforcing proper segregation at the source, and improving municipal collection systems are essential to reduce risks of infection and environmental contamination.