Assessment of Knowledge of Biomedical Waste Management and Prevalence of Needle-stick Injuries at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Tribal District in Gujarat, India

Introduction: Biomedical waste (BMW) management and handling rules were revised in 2016. Its correct implementation is of utmost importance by health care staff to protect the patients, community and themselves from hazards arising of its improper collection, storage and disposal. Aims: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge of BMW management among the BMW handlers in a tertiary care hospital and to determine the prevalence of needle-stick injuries and Hepatitis B vaccination status among BMW handlers. Material and Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital of a tribal district in South Gujarat, India. 432 BMW handlers were assessed using pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Proportion was calculated, and Chi-square test was used as a test of statistical significance. Results: We assessed 240 staff nurses, 38 paramedic workers, and 154 peons for BMW management. The mean age of study participants was 30 years (standard deviation 2.38). 96% of them knew the correct disposal of; cotton and gauge in yellow bag, catheter, and tubing in red bag and 94% knew about disposal of needles and scalpels in white container. The prevalence of needle-stick injury is 21%, highest in paramedic workers (23.7%), and 95% of them were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Conclusions: BMW handlers have good knowledge of BMW management. Regular refresher trainings may improve the BMW management practices.