Awareness Regarding Biomedical Waste Among Postgraduate Residents

Abstract

Background: Biomedical waste poses significant health and environmental risks if improperly managed, particularly in low-resource settings where awareness among healthcare professionals remains inadequate. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and knowledge regarding biomedical waste management among postgraduate residents at a tertiary care hospital, focusing on departmental differences, attitudes toward educational initiatives, and the prevalence of good biomedical waste practices. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, in April 2024. The study included 92 postgraduate residents from the Departments of Surgery, Anesthesia, and Gynecology, with proportional representation across training years; residents not formally enrolled or declining consent were excluded. Data were collected via a pre-tested, validated 14-item online questionnaire, measuring knowledge, attitudes, and departmental distribution. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: Among 92 respondents (mean age 28 years), departmental distribution was Anesthesia (56.5%), Gynecology (27.0%), and Surgery (16.3%). Good knowledge of biomedical waste management was observed in 43.0% of Gynecology, 32.0% of Surgery, and 25.0% of Anesthesia residents. Seventy-two percent of participants supported regular surveys and educational programs. No missing data were reported; inferential statistics were limited by data structure. Conclusion: The study highlights suboptimal awareness and significant interdepartmental variation in biomedical waste management knowledge among postgraduate residents. Targeted training and continuous professional development are essential to bridge the knowledge gap and enhance clinical safety. Improving awareness in this area is crucial for safeguarding healthcare workers, optimizing waste management, and aligning with global best practices.