Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Regarding Hospital Waste Management in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Keywords:
Biomedical Waste, Nurses, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Hospital Waste Management, Infection ControlAbstract
Background: Biomedical waste (BMW) management is a critical component of infection control in healthcare settings. Inadequate handling of BMW poses serious health risks to patients, healthcare workers, and the environment, making it essential to assess nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP).
Aim: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses regarding biomedical waste management in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: A descriptive correlational study design was conducted among 110 nurses selected through convenience sampling from a government hospital in Lahore. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic variables and KAP related to BMW management. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied for data analysis.
Results: The findings revealed that nurses had moderate knowledge regarding BMW, with good awareness of general concepts but gaps in technical areas such as waste categorization and color coding. Attitudes were generally positive, with most participants recognizing the role of BMW management in infection prevention, although some perceived it as a financial burden. Practices were inconsistent, with adequate adherence to waste segregation but deficiencies in disinfection and documentation procedures.
Conclusion: The study highlights a gap between knowledge and practice in BMW management. Regular training, effective monitoring, and institutional support are essential to improve compliance and ensure safe waste management practices.
