Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: The term ‘Bio-medical waste’ (BMW) means any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or research activities pertaining thereto or in the production or testing of biological or in health camps. 10–25% of health-care waste is regarded as “hazardous” and may pose a variety of environmental and health risks. So its proper management is social and legal responsibility. Methods: The present study was cross-sectional study which was conducted in the department of pharmacology and included 138 undergraduate students of second professional. The tool used for the study was self-developed questionnaire consisting of 18 questions to assess knowledge, attitude and practice among medical students on biomedical waste management. Results: Students showed satisfactory knowledge regarding health hazards associated with improper handling of BMW, colour coding of containers, biohazard symbol identification, types and sources of BMW. Gaps in knowledge were regarding disinfection of waste before disposal. Majority of the students had positive attitude and considered it as an important issue; but few considered it as extra work and financial burden. There were poor practices regarding segregation of general waste from clinical waste and proper disposal of waste. Conclusions: Present study revealed that although second professional undergraduate medical students had overall good knowledge and optimistic attitude ; but continuous educational and training programmes are needed to convert this knowledge into routine practices. Keywords: Attitude, Biomedical waste, Knowledge, Medical students, Practice.