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

Abstract

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.