Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management among Medical and Paramedical Students in Faisalabad

Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management

Abstract

Background: Biomedical waste, generated during diagnosis, treatment, and research, poses significant risks to environmental and human health if improperly managed.

Objective: This study assessed biomedical waste management awareness among medical and paramedical students in Faisalabad institutes.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted in private and public institutes in Faisalabad, including 195 students. A modified WHO questionnaire was used, and data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, incorporating descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Among 195 participants (69% male, 31% female; mean age 23.28±3.09), 89% of paramedical students had knowledge of the color-coded waste management system, compared to 54% of medical students. Additionally, 90% of paramedical students practiced waste segregation by color, versus 42% of medical students. While 42% of medical students reported adequate knowledge of color codes, 74% of paramedical students reported sufficient knowledge. No significant association was found between year of study and knowledge levels.

Conclusion: Paramedical students demonstrated higher knowledge and better practices in biomedical waste management than medical students, especially in public institutions. Increased training on waste segregation protocols is essential to improve knowledge and compliance among students.

Keywords: Biomedical waste management, Color coding, Healthcare waste, Paramedical students, Medical students, Waste segregation, Paramedics