© 2013. Al Ameen Charitable Fund Trust, Bangalore 376 Al Ameen J Med Sci 2013; 6(4):376-380  US National Library of Medicine enlisted journal  ISSN 0974-1143 ORIGINAL ARTICLE CODEN: AAJMBG Knowledge, attitude and practice about bio-medical waste management among personnel of a tertiary health care institute in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka Imaad Mohammed Ismail * , Annarao G. Kulkarni, Suchith V. Kamble, Sagar A. Borker, Rekha R and Amruth M Department of Community Medicine, KVG Medical College, Sullia, Dakshina Kannada-574327, Karnataka, India Abstract: Introduction: The waste generated during the delivery of health care services carries a high potential of infection and injury than any other type of waste. Previous studies in India show that the awareness and practices on bio-medical waste management among health care personnel was dismal and hence studies are required to know the current status. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice about bio- medical waste management among health care personnel working in KVG Medical College. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in KVG Medical College, Sullia, India. Using convenient sampling method, a total of 120 health care personnel were selected which consisted of 4 groups with 30 each of doctors, nurses, lab-technicians and class-IV waste handlers. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data compilation and analysis was done using SPSS 17. Results: The study revealed that knowledge regarding colour coding and risks of handling bio-medical waste was poor across all the 4 groups especially among class-IV waste handlers. Majority of the study participants had never undergone any training on bio-medical waste management and there was a felt need for the same. A meagre 36% doctors, 43% nurses, 30% lab-technicians and 13% class-IV waste handlers were discarding the bio-medical waste according to colour code. Among the class-IV waste handlers 67% reported needle stick injury. Conclusion: As the knowledge and practice regarding bio-medical waste management was poor there is a need to conduct periodic training and retraining workshops with special focus on proper use of personal protective gear. Keywords: Bio-medical waste; knowledge; practice; hospital; needle stick injury Introduction Bio-medical waste (BMW) is defined as any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or in research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biologicals [1]. The waste generated during the delivery of health care services carries a high potential of infection and injury than any other type of waste. In developing countries like India an estimated 0.1 to 4.5 kg’s of waste is generated per bed each day [2-4]. This range varies widely depending on per bed waste generation and the method of estimation used. In Karnataka around 80,000 kg’s of bio-medical waste is produced each day and about 1 kg of bio-medical waste is produced per bed [5]. It is estimated that 10-25% of health care waste is hazardous, and if it is not properly segregated the entire 100% will be converted into hazardous [6]. Bio-medical waste collection and proper disposal has become a significant concern for both the medical and the general community [7]. Under the Bio-medical Waste Rules 1998, it is imperative that the concerned health care personnel should have a proper knowledge and practice of handling and disposal of bio- medical waste. But due to laxity in implementation of the rules and inadequate training of health care personnel, there is indiscriminate disposal of bio-medical waste. This will seriously jeopardize the health of the community and have a significant impact on the environment. Studies carried out in India showed that the awareness and practices on bio-medical waste management among health care personnel is far below the acceptable level [8-16].