KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NURSES TOWARDS PROPER DISPOSAL OF BIOMEDICAL WASTES IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL, EDO STATE

Abstract

Hospital waste, also known as biomedical waste, encompasses both biological and non-biological waste materials discarded by hospitals as they are no longer intended for use. This waste poses potential risks to patients, the public, and healthcare professionals. Effective management of hospital waste relies heavily on healthcare providers' attitudes, awareness, and thorough understanding of its serious health implications.This study was aimed at assessing the knowledge and attitude of nurses towards proper disposal of biomedical wastes in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo state. This cross-sectional study recruited 278 nurses of University of Benin teaching hospital, via the use of a convenience sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire on the knowledge and attitudes of nurses towards proper disposal of biomedical wastes was used to obtain data from the respondents. The data was analyzed using the descriptives statistics of frequency and percentages, inferential statistics chi-square was used to test for significant relationship between the variables. Alpha level was set at 0.05 and all analysis was carried out using SPSS version 27.0. Results showed that majority of the respondents demonstrated a good knowledge 229(82.4%) and positive attitude 200(71.8%)towards proper disposal of biomedical wastes. there is a significant relationship between the knowledge and attitude of nurses towards proper disposal of biomedical wastes in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (X²₌ 12.728, p=0.002). Whilst it is important to demonstrate good knowledge and positive attitude, it is more important for this to translate into good practices of proper disposal of biomedical waste. Hence healthcare workers must be sensitized on the consequences of improper waste disposal.

Keywords:biomedical waste, knowledge, attitude,nurses