Knowledge, Attitude and Practice About Hospital Waste Management in Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore

Abstract

Background: Effective hospital waste management is essential to minimize infection risks and environmental hazards, yet data on nurses’ knowledge and practices in tertiary care settings in Pakistan remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and practice regarding hospital waste management among staff nurses in a major tertiary care hospital, and to examine associations with socio-demographic and departmental factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, census-based study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, involving all 110 eligible staff nurses with at least one year of experience. Data were collected using a validated knowledge questionnaire (39 items, 9 domains) and a structured observational checklist (26 items, 8 domains) for practice. Demographic data were also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v18, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals. Institutional ethics approval was obtained, and the study adhered to the Helsinki Declaration. Results: Among participating nurses, 80% (95% CI: 71.5–86.8%) demonstrated satisfactory knowledge and 81.8% (95% CI: 73.6–88.3%) exhibited adequate practice. Higher knowledge and practice rates were significantly associated with greater years of experience (OR for knowledge: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.04–6.93), advanced qualifications (OR: 9.80, 95% CI: 1.24–77.0), and specific departments such as critical care (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between satisfactory knowledge and adequate practice (OR: 4.57, 95% CI: 1.51–13.87, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Most staff nurses possessed satisfactory knowledge and practice regarding hospital waste management, with higher competency linked to experience, education, and department. Targeted training and departmental oversight are recommended to address identified gaps and improve safety standards in clinical environments.