Perception towards biomedical waste management (BMW) among dental students of a Private Dental College in Haryana during Covid-19: A knowledge, awareness and practice study

This study aims to assess the knowledge, awareness, and practice of biomedical waste management among dental students of a private dental college in Haryana, India during COVID-19.

The survey was conducted among 155 (114 females and 41 males) dental students of a private dental college in Haryana, India. Dental students from the third year to interns were part of this assessment. The study conducted was through a questionnaire consisting of 19 questions, in which the first part of it was used to describe the demographic profile of the participants and the second part assessed the knowledge (5 questions), awareness (8 questions), and practice (3 questions) regarding BMW management. This questionnaire was made through google docs and then was circulated among the students, followed by making an assessment based on the foundation of answers subjected to the above-mentioned questionnaire.

The study showed that 51.0% of the students were aware of the recent covid-19 biomedical waste management guidelines given by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) Govt of India, and 67.0% had a positive attitude towards BMW segregation while working in clinics, yet the majority (83.2%) of the participants had poor knowledge score. The knowledge concerning BMW management was more desirable among the Interns (92.9%) but final-year students were better (80.6%) than the third-year students (74.1%). This shows that even though the students had a positive attitude there were gaps in their knowledge about BMW management.

The majority of the students hadn't received training in BMW management, therefore, to change this we need to ensure that students follow rules on appropriate waste management strictly beginning from their clinical years itself. Other measures like creating more education programs that include the recent COVID-19 biomedical waste management guidelines given by MOHFW Govt of India, visiting Biomedical treatment facilities, and conducting workshops with the active participation of the students can also be taken.