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Inovasanti A, Susanna D, Poddar S, Hermawati E, Kusuma A. Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of college students in disposing used masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in DKI Jakarta Province. F1000Res 2024; 12:511. [PMID: 38454922 PMCID: PMC10918313 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130691.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for mask production which has caused the problem of mask waste generating in the environment without being managed. This research was conducted to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and sociodemographic factors with college student behaviours in managing household mask waste in Daerah Khusus Ibukota (DKI) Jakarta Province. Methods This study used a quantitative approach and cross-sectional study design. Data collection was carried out using an online questionnaire consisting of the respondents' sociodemographic, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. Results The majority of students had high knowledge (63.3%), positive attitudes (52.5%), and good behaviours (50.6%). Statistically, there was a significant relationship between knowledge and behaviours (p = 0.022), but there was no significant relationship between attitudes and behaviours (p = 0.269). In addition, the sociodemographic factor variables showed a significant relationship between place of residence and behaviours (p = 0.008). However, there was no significant relationship between age, gender, education, and study program groups and behaviours (p > 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that living with family was a dominant factor for bad behaviours (OR 1.664, 95% CI=1.124-2.464), and the second risk factor was the low level of knowledge has a significant relationship with the behaviours of mask waste management at home (OR=1.559, 95% CI=1.044-2.330). Conclusions Students who live alone also show better behaviour compared to students who live with their families. The place of residence variable has the greatest influence on the behaviour of mask waste management at the household, followed by the knowledge variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avicenna Inovasanti
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, 16424, Indonesia
| | - Dewi Susanna
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, 16424, Indonesia
| | - Sandeep Poddar
- Research and Innovation, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47301, Malaysia
| | - Ema Hermawati
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, West Java, 16424, Indonesia
| | - Aria Kusuma
- Health Development Policy Agency, Ministry of Health of Indonesia, Jakarta Selatan, Jakarta, 12950, Indonesia
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Sakr CJ, Assaf SA, Fakih L, Dakroub S, Rahme D, Musharrafieh U, Khater B, Naous J, Romani M, Tannous J, Zahreddine N, Fakhreddine M, Itani M, Zalaquett N, Honein G. Hospitals' Collaborations Strengthen Pandemic Preparedness: Lessons Learnt from COVID-19. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:321. [PMID: 38338207 PMCID: PMC10855495 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic strained healthcare systems around the world. This study aims to understand the preparedness of private remote hospitals in Lebanon to respond to the pandemic and evaluate the impact of inter-hospital collaborations on the hospitals' readiness. METHODS A multi-centered study was conducted between August 2020 and June 2021 in ten Lebanese private remote hospitals based on a mixed-methods embedded approach where the quantitative supported the qualitative. Through the AUB-USAID (American University of Beirut-United States Agency for International Development) COVID-19 project, these hospitals received personal protective equipment and medical equipment in addition to COVID-19-related training using the Train-the-Trainer model. The quantitative part used knowledge and evaluation questionnaires and a pre-post-intervention hospital preparedness checklist. The qualitative approach adopted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample from key hospital personnel. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. For the qualitative data, a thematic analysis was performed by adopting the six-phase process described by Braun and Clarke. RESULTS Of the 393 healthcare workers who attended the training and completed the evaluation questionnaire, 326 completed the pre- and post-training knowledge questionnaire. A significant improvement was observed in mean knowledge scores following training for infection control, nursing, and polymerase chain reaction sampling staff (p-value < 0.001, p-value < 0.001, and p-value = 0.006, respectively), but not for housekeeping staff. More than 93% of the participants showed high trainer and content evaluation scores. As for the hospitals' preparedness assessments, there was a clear improvement in the pre- and post-assessment scores for each hospital, and there was a significant difference in the mean of the total scores of partner hospitals pre- and post-USAID-AUB project (p-value = 0.005). These findings were supported by the qualitative analysis, where nine hospitals expressed the positive impact of the USAID-AUB intervention in improving their preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic at a critical time when it was highly needed. Despite the intervention, persistent challenges remained. CONCLUSIONS A timely and proactive collaborative program between academic/tertiary care centers and remote community hospitals that includes sharing supplies and expertise is feasible and highly effective during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carine J. Sakr
- Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (C.J.S.); (L.F.); (S.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Sara A. Assaf
- Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (C.J.S.); (L.F.); (S.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Lina Fakih
- Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (C.J.S.); (L.F.); (S.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Saada Dakroub
- Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (C.J.S.); (L.F.); (S.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Diana Rahme
- Employee Health Unit, Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (C.J.S.); (L.F.); (S.D.); (D.R.)
| | - Umayya Musharrafieh
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (U.M.); (B.K.); (J.N.); (M.R.)
| | - Beatrice Khater
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (U.M.); (B.K.); (J.N.); (M.R.)
| | - Jihane Naous
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (U.M.); (B.K.); (J.N.); (M.R.)
| | - Maya Romani
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (U.M.); (B.K.); (J.N.); (M.R.)
| | - Joseph Tannous
- Infection Prevention and Control Program, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (J.T.); (N.Z.)
| | - Nada Zahreddine
- Infection Prevention and Control Program, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (J.T.); (N.Z.)
| | - Mohammad Fakhreddine
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (M.F.); (M.I.); (N.Z.)
| | - Mira Itani
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (M.F.); (M.I.); (N.Z.)
| | - Nader Zalaquett
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (M.F.); (M.I.); (N.Z.)
| | - Gladys Honein
- Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
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Miamiliotis AS, Talias MA. Healthcare Workers' Knowledge about the Segregation Process of Infectious Medical Waste Management in a Hospital. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:94. [PMID: 38201000 PMCID: PMC10779179 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Any hospital's primary goal is to restore human health and save lives through health services provided to patients, but at the same time, hazardous wastes are produced. Inconsistent management of unsafe wastes might cause adverse effects and other issues for workers, the environment, and public health. Segregation is considered the critical stage in successful medical waste management. Mixing hazardous medical waste with non-hazardous medical waste will be avoided by correctly applying practices at the segregation stage. This study aimed to assess personnel's knowledge about infectious medical waste and segregation practices used at six wards in Nicosia General Hospital. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. The Statistical Package of Social Science (SPPS) version 25 was used with a minimum statistical significance of α = 0.05. The study population was nurses, nurse assistants, ward assistants, and cleaners working at the study wards. Out of 191 questionnaires, 82 were received, with a response rate of 42.93%. Most participants were female (72%) and nurses (85.4%). Participants had moderate knowledge about infectious medical waste management and good knowledge regarding segregation practices applied in their ward. Segregation was not carried out as it should have been, since most participants stated that infectious medical waste was mixed with non-hazardous medical waste. The number of correct answers the participants gave regarding the colour-coding of different medical waste categories was 67.5%, and only four answered correctly to all questions. Although participants knew segregation practices and the colour-coding process applied to medical waste, they did not use them satisfactorily. They applied methods regarding segregation without specific training, knowledge and guidance. Due to the issue's importance, training programs must be implemented and performed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael A. Talias
- Healthcare Management Postgraduate Program, Open University Cyprus, P.O. Box 12794, Nicosia 2252, Cyprus;
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S P, Zala D, M J. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Biomedical Waste Management Among Doctors and Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e51290. [PMID: 38283475 PMCID: PMC10822670 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Biomedical waste (BMW) management is an important practice that has to be followed by all healthcare workers (HCW) in health centres. COVID-19 had become a global threat, and the spread of the infection had increased drastically. Healthcare workers were already involved in managing COVID-19 patients. It is essential to have adequate knowledge, attitude and good practices among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 period. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of COVID-19 biomedical waste management among doctors and nurses working in a private tertiary care centre in Puducherry. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of BMW management among doctors and nurses who were working during the COVID-19 period. A total of 384 samples were recruited, and the study was conducted for a period of four months. Data were collected from a pre-validated, pre-tested questionnaire that assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of biomedical waste management. Further analysis was done using Microsoft (MS) Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA) and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). Results Among the 384 participants, 152 (39.6%) had excellent knowledge, 143 (37.2%) had good knowledge and 89 (23.2%) had poor knowledge. Among the 111 doctors, 55 (49.5%) had excellent knowledge, and 36 (32.4%) had good knowledge. Among the 273 nurses, 107 (39.2%) had good knowledge and 97 (35.5%) had excellent knowledge. Of the study participants, 98.2% had a favourable attitude, and 89.6% had favourable practices towards biomedical waste management. Occupation and training received on BMW management were found to be predictors of knowledge regarding biomedical waste management. Conclusion From the present study, it is found that the knowledge of biomedical waste management needs to be improved among doctors and nurses, especially in situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, a positive correlation was found between knowledge score and practice score, which states that increasing knowledge regarding biomedical waste management will improve practice towards biomedical waste management. Also, doctors and nurses who had already received training in biomedical waste management were found to have better knowledge than those who had not. Hence, the college administration should do various health education activities and training sessions to enhance biomedical waste management among doctors and nurses working in the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravinraj S
- Community Medicine, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, IND
| | - Darshana Zala
- Community Medicine, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, IND
| | - Janakiram M
- Community Medicine, Government Vellore Medical College, Vellore, IND
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Millanzi WC, Herman PZ, Mtangi SA. Knowledge, attitude, and perceived practice of sanitary workers on healthcare waste management: A descriptive cross-sectional study in Dodoma region,Tanzania. SAGE Open Med 2023; 11:20503121231174735. [PMID: 37223674 PMCID: PMC10201140 DOI: 10.1177/20503121231174735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare facilities produce a variety of trash that, if handled improperly, could endanger the environment, the health of patients and clients, healthcare personnel, and the general public. Health staff have been given training on infection control and healthcare waste management. It is not apparent whether similar initiatives are taken for sanitary personnel, though. By evaluating sanitary workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices about healthcare waste treatment in the Dodoma region of Tanzania, this study sought to clarify the situation. Methods From March to August 2022 in Dodoma, Tanzania, a descriptive cross-sectional study using a quantitative methodology was conducted on 156 randomly chosen sanitary workers. The primary data collection instruments were structured questionnaires that were conducted by interviewers and a trash checklist that the research team created. Statistical Package for Social Sciences computer software was used to conduct a descriptive analysis of the data with a 95% confidence level and a 5% level of significance. Results The average age was 28 ± 6.2 years, and there were 74.4% females. Of all of the health institutions under study, 78.4% of the generated medical waste was non-infectious, whereas 21.6% of it was infectious. The share of non-infectious and infectious healthcare waste created by regional referral hospitals was 43.5% and 13.2%, respectively. While 67.8% of sanitary workers believed that handling healthcare waste was not their problem and 63.6% of sanitary workers actually displayed subpar practices of handling healthcare waste, 74.4% of sanitary workers had low understanding about handling healthcare waste. Their procedures for handling medical waste were substantially influenced by the kind of healthcare facility, sex, education, job experience, knowledge, and attitude (p < 0.05). Conclusion Sanitary staff members had limited understanding and thought they were less concerned with gathering, moving, and storing medical waste. To provide the highest level of health safety, national health policy and facility-based interventions must support and fund participatory waste management training that is tailored to the sociodemographic profiles of sanitary employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter C Millanzi
- Walter C Millanzi, Department of Nursing
Management and Education, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Box 395, Dodoma,
United Republic of Tanzania.
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Joshi A, Chatada J, Kummari S, Tripathy R. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Personnel Involved in Bio Medical Waste Handling about COVID-19 & Its Bio-Medical Waste Management: A Descriptive Analysis. Hosp Top 2023:1-10. [PMID: 36745003 DOI: 10.1080/00185868.2023.2176389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased amount of biomedical waste, worsening the already strained biomedical waste management system in India. As biomedical waste handlers are the core of biomedical waste handling, their knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding sorting, segregation, transport, and storage of the waste are of prime concern. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices of personnel involved in biomedical waste handling about COVID-19 and its biomedical waste management at All India Institute of Medical Sciences Mangalagiri. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: AIIMS Mangalagiri and common bio-medical waste treatment facility at Guntur. Participants- Personnel involved in bio-medical waste handling Methodology: The study enrolled a total of 139 participants from December 2020 to January 2021. A convenient sampling technique was used and a questionnaire was administered by face-to-face interview. Results: The study showed that half of the participants had favorable knowledge about bio-medical waste management (average score 5.08 and range 1-9). Two-thirds of the respondents felt that handling COVID-19 waste is necessary to contain the infection. Conversely, the practices regarding COVID-19 and its biomedical waste management were not in conformity with attitudes and knowledge. Fewer participants knew the exact sequence of donning (15.80%) and doffing (31.70%). Majority of participants (72.7%) desired a hands-on training for handling biomedical waste. Conclusion: Participants have good knowledge and attitudes regarding COVID-19 bio-medical waste management, but are not adhering to it. This explains the need for comprehensive training programs for all those involved in bio-medical waste management of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Joshi
- Nursing Officer, All India Institute of Medical Sciences - Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Joshna Chatada
- Nursing Officer, All India Institute of Medical Sciences - Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sobha Kummari
- Nursing Officer, All India Institute of Medical Sciences - Mangalagiri, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Roli Tripathy
- Assistant Professor College of Nursing, NRI Academy of Sciences, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Alhowaymel FM, Abdelmalik MA, Mohammed AM, Mohamaed MO, Alenezi A. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Hypertensive Patients Towards Stroke Prevention Among Rural Population in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study. SAGE Open Nurs 2023; 9:23779608221150717. [PMID: 36643783 PMCID: PMC9834414 DOI: 10.1177/23779608221150717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stroke is a significant health problem and is considered one of the leading causes of mortality and permanent disability worldwide. Hypertension is a primary risk factor for stroke. Thus, hypertensive patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) are essential in preventing stroke. Objective To examine hypertensive patients' KAP towards stroke prevention among rural population in Saudi Arabia. Methods The study utilized a cross-sectional design. The data were collected using a convenience sampling technique from hypertensive patients in the northwestern rural areas of Riyadh Province. A self-administered questionnaire was adapted from the Stroke Recognition Questionnaire (SRQ) and utilized to assess KAP towards stroke prevention among rural hypertensive patients. The STrengthening of the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist was used to report the study. Results A total of 196 hypertensive patients participated in the study. The total mean scores categorization into three quartiles showed that most respondents had poor levels of KAP towards stroke prevention. Weak positive correlations were found between KAP of patients. There were statistically significant differences between respondents' attitudes and practices with their age, education, marital status, and occupational status. Discussion This study denoted poor levels of KAP towards stroke prevention among hypertensive patients living in rural areas. This study showed the importance of further considering rural population by which improving their health and quality of life. Extending health educational programs and behavior-changing strategies to rural areas is essential to increase hypertensive patients and general public awareness about their stroke prevention and other health-related concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad M. Alhowaymel
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia,Fahad M. Alhowaymel, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Aldwadmi-Shaqra Road, Shaqra city, Riyadh Province 15572, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed A. Abdelmalik
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Almoez M. Mohammed
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamaed O. Mohamaed
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atallah Alenezi
- Department of Nursing, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
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Kaewchutima N, Precha N, Duangkong N, Jitbanjong A, Dwipayanti NMU. Knowledge and practice of facemask disposal among university students in Thailand: A new normal post the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284492. [PMID: 37053157 PMCID: PMC10101522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of facemasks is essential to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. University students are a significant demographic that generates substantial infectious waste due to the new normal practice of using disposable facemasks. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the facemask disposal knowledge and practices among university students in Thailand between September and October 2022. We used a self-report questionnaire comprising 29 questions to determine the students' demographic characteristics and facemask disposal knowledge and practices. We then applied a logistic regression model to estimate the association between the students' facemask disposal knowledge and practices and their demographic characteristics. A total of 433 participants completed the questionnaire comprising health science (45.27%) and non-health science (54.73%) students. Surgical masks were the most popular masks (89.84%), followed by N95 (26.33%) and cloth masks (9.94%). While their levels of knowledge regarding facemask disposal were poor, the students' practices were good. The factors associated with proper facemask disposal were sex (AOR = 0.469, 95% CI: 0.267, 0.825), academic grade (AOR = 0.427, 95% CI: 0.193, 0.948), and knowledge level (AOR = 0.594, 95% CI: 0.399, 0.886). No demographic factors influenced knowledge. Our findings highlight the influence of facemask disposal knowledge on students' disposal practices. Information promoting the appropriate disposal practices should therefore be promoted extensively. Furthermore, continuous reinforcement by raising awareness and educating students on proper facemask disposal combined with the provision of adequate infectious waste disposal facilities could help reduce the environmental contamination of infectious waste and thus improve general waste management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narisara Kaewchutima
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Nopadol Precha
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
- One Health Research Center, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Netnapa Duangkong
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Anthika Jitbanjong
- Department of Environmental Health and Technology, School of Public Health, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Ni Made Utami Dwipayanti
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
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Thirunavukkarasu A, Al-Hazmi AH, Dar UF, Alruwaili AM, Alsharari SD, Alazmi FA, Alruwaili SF, Alarjan AM. Knowledge, attitude and practice towards bio-medical waste management among healthcare workers: a northern Saudi study. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13773. [PMID: 35880221 PMCID: PMC9308458 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Health care workers (HCWs) involved in day-to-day care and other healthcare activities play a significant role in biomedical waste (BMW) management. The World Health Organization stated some of the causes for the failure of BMW management, namely, lack of awareness of the health hazards related to BMW and inadequate trained HCWs in BMW management. The present study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards BMW management among the HCWs in northern Saudi Arabia. Methodology The present study assessed KAP through a self-administered and validated questionnaire. Using a multistage probability sampling method, 384 HCWs from different healthcare facilities participated in this survey. We performed binomial logistic regression analysis to find association between KAP subscales and sociodemographic characteristics. Spearman's correlation test was performed to find the strength and direction of correlation (rho) between KAP scores. Results Of the population studied, high knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were found in 47.1%, 65.1%, and 49.5% of the HCWs, respectively. The present study found that knowledge score was significantly higher among the age group from 30 to 39 years (ref: age less than 30 years: AOR = 2.25, 95% CI [1.05-4.85], p = 0.04) and non- Saudi nationals (ref: Saudi: AOR = 2.84, 95% CI [1.63-4.94], p < 0.001) The attitude score towards BMW management was significantly lower among the HCWs working in tertiary care settings (ref: PHC: AOR = 0.38, 95% CI [0.12-0.69], p = 0.01). Regarding the practice score, the male categories had a significantly higher score (ref: female: AOR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.19 -2.99], p = 0.02), while pharmacist (ref: physicians: AOR = 0.39, 95% CI [0.18-0.58], p = 0.02) and lab technicians (ref: physicians: AOR = 0.31, 95% CI [0.11-0.53], p = 0.02) had a significant lower practice score. The test results revealed a weak positive correlation of knowledge with the attitude scores (rho = 0.249, p = 0.001), and a moderately strong positive correlation was found between attitude and practice scores (rho = 0.432, p = 0.001). Conclusion This study suggests that a regular training program for the HCWs on BMW management is necessary through symposiums, role play, interactive lectures, and other feasible training methods. Furthermore, a multicentric prospective exploratory study is to be conducted in other regions of the KSA to understand the region-specific training needs of HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashokkumar Thirunavukkarasu
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Homoud Al-Hazmi
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Umar Farooq Dar
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Fahad Adel Alazmi
- Medical Student, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
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Mariam Q, Ahmed N, Abbasi MS, Nadeem R, Rizwan A, Vohra F, Abduljabbar T, Abduljabbar A. Safe practices of biomedical and dental waste management amongst practicing dental professionals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Work 2022; 71:851-858. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-211099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biomedical waste can potentially compromise the environment and public safety if not safely disposed. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the understanding and safe practices of biomedical and dental waste amongst the dental practitioners and practical year students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A structured and validated questionnaire consisting of 21 closed ended questions was used to collect data from dental practitioners and students working in hospitals and clinics. The questionnaire was distributed in paper and digital form amongst the participants. Descriptive analysis was performed for categorical and numerical variables. Spearman correlation test was used to assess the relationship between awareness and waste disposal practices of dentists. A p-value of≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: More than three fourth of the participants were aware of proper dental waste disposal steps. One half was aware of the color-coded segregation of biomedical waste management. Two third of the participants were deploying safe biomedical waste practices. Nearly 68% subjects allocated separate labeled containers for disposal of COVID-19 suspected patient’s waste. Furthermore, 71.63% participants were practicing PCR test before aerosol procedures. While 88.65% participants believed that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the financial burden in terms of safe practices and dental waste management. CONCLUSION: The awareness and practices of the participants towards dental waste management was found to be moderate. Satisfactory COVID-19 prevention and transmission measures were observed amongst the participants. BMW management lessons should be included in the academic curriculum and training program needs to be adopted for mass awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quratulain Mariam
- Department of Prosthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Naseer Ahmed
- Department of Prosthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan
- School of Dental Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, KubangKerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Maria S. Abbasi
- Department of Prosthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Resham Nadeem
- Department of Prosthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asma Rizwan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fahim Vohra
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Science, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Abduljabbar
- Department of Prosthetic Dental Science, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Abduljabbar
- Department of Psychology, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Dalui A, Banerjee S, Roy R. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice about biomedical waste management among healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic in a health district of West Bengal. Indian J Public Health 2022; 65:345-351. [PMID: 34975076 DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_2103_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Efforts to combat Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have significantly increased the quantity of bio-medical waste (BMW) generation. Objectives A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude and factors affecting knowledge on BMW management among Health Care Workers (HCWs) when taking care of patients with COVID-19. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 HCWs, actively involved in caring of COVID-19 patients in Healthcare settings of North 24 Parganas Health District, West Bengal. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire (through Google Forms) and an observational checklist after selection criteria and having consent. The Questionnaire included four sections like the sociodemographic information, knowledge related to BMW management, observational questionnaire assessing the practice of HCWs on BMW management and rating scale related to attitudes towards BMW management. Results 166 HCWs (43.2%) had an excellent knowledge with overall mean score 13.5 ± 3.6. A high mean score (14.4 ± 3.2) was obtained by doctors followed by nurses (13.6 ± 3.8). Regarding practice, the majority of HCWs (52.8%) followed the color-coding of BMW and 49.5% followed policies in separating the wastes according to hazard. Doctors (91%) and nurses (81%) had more favorable attitude than others. There was a statistically significant association found among knowledge level and educational qualification (P = 0.0001), gender (P = 0.001), and work experience (P = 0.05) and work area (P = 0.05). Conclusion Emphasis should be given to aware and train all HCWs regarding proper BMW management during this pandemic to prevent infection transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Dalui
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, R. G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, India
| | - Sitikantha Banerjee
- Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, AIIMS, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ramaprasad Roy
- Principal and Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Arambagh Government Medical College, Arambagh, West Bengal, India
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12
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Limon MR, Vallente JPC, Cajigal ARV, Aquino MU, Aragon JA, Acosta RL. Unmasking emerging issues in solid waste management: Knowledge and self-reported practices on the discarded disposable masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2022; 6:100435. [PMID: 36632241 PMCID: PMC8743242 DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2021.100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 global health crisis has resulted in the emergence of a new type of solid waste-inappropriately discarded disposable masks (DMs)-posing serious risks to the public health and to the environment. This study assessed the knowledge-("K") and self-reported practices-("P") of the general public in DM waste management. A researcher-developed instrument was utilized to gather data with a reliability coefficient index of 0.94. The survey was participated in by 13,116 online users. Pearson r and multiple linear regression were performed to test the relationship between the participants' demographic characteristics and their K and P. Results revealed that the participants obtained a weighted mean and standard deviation of 1.15±0.10, which shows that 11,597 or 88.41% are knowledgeable on solid waste disposal and management. The self-reported practices of the participants obtained weighted mean and standard deviation rating of 2.16±0.10, which is interpreted as "Always Practiced". This signifies that the participants adequately practiced the essentials in disposing DMs. Furthermore, there is a significant relationship between K and P with their demographic characteristics on disposing DMs like age, sex, level of education, annual income, and type of residence. The obtained Pearson r=-0.178 (p<.01) indicates that the level of knowledge of the participants is significantly related to the practices they apply in disposing used DMs. As a recommendation, campaigns and interventions on the proper disposal of DMs should be put forward and implemented, utilizing various social media resources and platforms that are conveniently accessible to the general public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Limon
- Technical-Vocational and Livelihood Education Department, College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
| | - John Paul C Vallente
- Secondary Education Department, College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
| | - Aris Reynold V Cajigal
- Secondary Education Department, College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
| | - Marlowe U Aquino
- Science and Technology Park, Mariano Marcos State University, Batac City, Ilocos Norte 2906 Philippines
| | - Jovenita A Aragon
- Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Department, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
| | - Rosabel L Acosta
- Secondary Education Department, College of Teacher Education, Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte 2900 Philippines
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