Original Research Article 155 | Page Int J Med Res Prof.2016; 2(4); 155-58. www.ijmrp.com Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Biomedical Waste Management among Health Care Personnel in Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Ajmer (Rajasthan) Mohit Sharma 1* , Mahima Sharma 2 , Priyanka Kapoor 3 , Suryakant Verma 4 , Rekha Maheshwari 5 , H.P. Gupta 6 1* Assistant Professor, Department of Cardio-Vascular and thoracic surgery, 4 Senior Resident, 5 Professor and Head, 6 Associate Professor, Department of General Surgery, J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. 2 Senior Demonstrator, Department of Physiology, R.U.H.S. Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. 3 Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. ABSTRACT Background: Lack of proper knowledge and faulty practices in biomedical waste management is common in developing countries like India. This study was conducted in the department of surgery of a tertiary level hospital attached with medical college. The purpose of the study was to evaluate lacunae in disposal of hospital generated wastes and recommend steps to rectify the prevalent scenario. Material and Methods: An observational cross sectional study was undertaken in the department of surgery, J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer (Rajasthan) in the month of January 2016, with a study group of 123 health care professionals comprising of doctors, nursing staff and class 4 workers. A semi structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding Biomedical Waste Management among the study group. The data was analyzed using proportion and percentages. Results: The data showed that knowledge regarding hazardous nature of biomedical waste, duration of waste storage and utility of plastic bags were less than satisfactory levels. Only 42% of doctors and 31% of nursing staff had undergone BMW (Bio-Medical Waste) management training. They were however, willing to be part of BMW management plan and majority of the group agreed on the need to conduct CME programs to upgrade knowledge. Faulty practices were noted in disposal of pharmaceutical waste, sharps and general waste. Majority claimed that they use the personal protective equipment (PPE) i.e. gloves etc. Conclusion: Inference drawn from the data shows an enterprising attitude of health care workers towards BMW management, but prevalence of wrong practices mostly stemming from lack of knowledge. This study shows that there is a regular need for CME (Continuing Medical Education) in the department of surgery, for improving the knowledge of health care personnel. Keywords: Biomedical Waste, Health Personnel, KAP. *Correspondence to: Dr Mohit Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Cardio-Vascular and thoracic surgery, J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. Article History: Received: 16-06-2016, Revised: 19-06-2016, Accepted: 28-07-2016 Access this article online Website: www.ijmrp.com Quick Response code DOI: 10.21276/ijmrp.2016.2.4.037 INTRODUCTION The term “biomedical waste (BMW)” is defined as “any waste that is generated during diagnosis, treatment, immunization of human beings or animals, in the research activities pertaining to their production or testing. 1,2 Biomedical waste management has recently emerged as an issue of major concern not only to hospitals, nursing home authorities and health care centers but also to the surrounding environment. 3,4 Advances in medical facilities and the introduction of more sophisticated instruments has increased the waste generation per patient in health care units worldwide. 5 It is estimated that 20-25% of the healthcare waste generated is hazardous and causes serious health related problems. 6 The waste thus generated in the hospital has significant health impact not only on the healthcare workers but also on the general public. Inadequate and inappropriate handling of health care wastes has serious public health issues and significant influences on the environment. BMW Management is currently a burning issue due to the aforementioned reasons. India generates around three million tons of biomedical waste each year and its generation is expected to grow at a rate of eight percent annually.