Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part G (2022)

Objective: To assess the knowledge, practice level, and attitude towards standard precautions and biomedical waste management among physiotherapy students.

Method: A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 150 physiotherapy students was conducted at the School of Physiotherapy, D.Y Patil University, Navi Mumbai. A self-administered questionnaire was used which was categorized in four domains inquiring about students’ knowledge, implementation, practice and attitude towards standard precautions and bio medical waste management. Student’s knowledge was assessed and the collected data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 23 in the form of descriptive statistics.

Results: The current study revealed that 77.3% (116 out of 150) & 68.00% (102 out of 150) of the subjects were aware of standard precautions and bio medical waste management guidelines respectively but on an average only 35.00% (52 out of 150) of the subjects had correct knowledge regarding the same. The study also showed that only 37.00% (56 out of 150) and 20.00% (30 out of 150) of the subjects reported correct practices with regards to standard precautions and bio medical waste management respectively.

Conclusion: Students were aware of standard precautions and bio medical waste management but had poor knowledge as well as practices. Students find it necessary to follow the guidelines but have insufficient knowledge and agreed on having awareness sessions.