Assessment of Knowledge and Practice in Medical Waste Management among Healthcare Workers in Northern Part of Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background & Objective

Improper medical waste management poses significant risks to health and the environment, especially in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh. Healthcare workers are central to safe waste handling, but their level of knowledge and practice regarding medical waste management is not well established. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of medical waste management among healthcare workers in Bangladesh and to identify factors associated with better performance.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2024 among 350 healthcare workers from five tertiary and secondary healthcare facilities in Rangpur and Dinajpur. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling and included physicians, nurses, and support staff. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested questionnaire covering socio-demographics, knowledge of waste categories and hazards, and self-reported practices such as waste segregation, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to color-coded disposal. Knowledge and practice scores were calculated, and associations with training and professional category were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests (p < 0.05 deemed significant).

Results

Of the 350 respondents, 52% were nurses, 28% physicians, and 20% support staff. The mean knowledge score was 14.8 ± 3.2 (out of 20), with 63% demonstrating “good” knowledge. Physicians (78%) and nurses (67%) scored higher than support staff (39%) (p < 0.001). Regarding practices, 72% reported proper segregation of infectious and non-infectious waste, but only 49% consistently used PPE during waste handling. Color-coded disposal compliance was reported by 55% of participants. Workers who had received formal training in medical waste management were significantly more likely to have good knowledge (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.8–4.6; p < 0.001) and better waste-handling practices (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.5–3.8; p = 0.002) than those without training.

Conclusion

The study reveals moderate levels of knowledge and mixed compliance with recommended medical waste management practices among healthcare workers in Bangladesh. Training significantly improves both understanding and practice, highlighting the need for regular, structured educational interventions and monitoring systems. Strengthening policy enforcement and continuous capacity building can reduce occupational hazards and environmental contamination.