KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES (KAP) ON BIOMEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT AMONG MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS

Biomedical waste management (BMW) is crucial in healthcare due to its significant impact on public health and environmental safety. Malaysian hospitals are expected to generate up to 33,000 tons of BMW annually, with increased volumes during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. This highlights the urgent need for effective waste management strategies. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 102 medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) at the Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus. Participants were assessed using a modified questionnaire to evaluate their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding biomedical waste management. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson's correlation and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), were used to analyse the data. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude and practices were 70.0%, 89.61% and 82.19% respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.012, r = 0.248). MLR analysis revealed that training significantly influenced knowledge (Adj β = 0.634, 95% CI: 0.015, 1.252), and the duration of employment significantly influenced practices (Adj β = 0.031, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.060). The findings underscore the critical role of training in improving biomedical waste management knowledge and practices among healthcare workers. Regular and comprehensive training programs are essential for enhancing the competency of MLTs, leading to safer and more effective waste management practices. This study provides empirical evidence on the importance of training in healthcare waste management, which is crucial for reducing health risks associated with improper waste handling and disposal.