“ASSESSMENT OF BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES AMONG HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN UNAUTHORIZED CLINICS IN LAHORE, PAKISTAN”

Abstract

Background:

Biomedical waste has been defined as “any waste that is produced during the diagnosis, treatment, immunization of human beings or animals, or in the research activities related to or in the production or testing of biological products and includes categories or classes mentioned in the schedule. The rules for biomedical waste management and its handling were notified in 1998 and amended twice in 2000. Biomedical waste has been categorized into four classes based on the type of waste and treatment choices: yellow for excreta, tissues, or body fluids; red for tubing and syringes (without needles); white for sharps; and blue for glass material. Waste must not be stored beyond a period of 48 hours.

Methodology:

The design of the study was descriptive. A convenient sampling technique was used with a closed-ended questionnaire. The data was collected using a questionnaire adapted from the previous studies. The sample size was 160 participants. Finally, 160 valid questionnaires were used for data analysis.

Results:

The study findings have revealed that all results were significant, the scale was reliable, and there was a strong need to improve knowledge, attitude, and practice about biomedical waste management in an illegal clinic in Lahore, Pakistan.

Conclusion:

In this study, a very large number of participants were not aware of the rules of biomedical waste management that were made and amended, but a maximum percentage of participants thought that it was important to know about biomedical waste management, whereas many o them did not know about the basic rules regarding biomedical waste handling and disposal. This study should conduct awareness programs and set protocols regarding biomedical waste management to create a safe environment in illegal clinics and in our society.