International Journal of Innovative Research in Health Science

Background: Biomedical waste management is an essential component of infection control and environmental safety in healthcare settings. Housekeeping staff are directly involved in the collection, segregation, handling and disposal of biomedical waste, making adequate knowledge important for safe waste management. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge regarding biomedical waste management among housekeeping staff at SMVMCH and to determine the association between knowledge and selected demographic variables. Methods: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive research design was adopted. The study was conducted at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Puducherry. A total of 50 housekeeping staff were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire consisting of demographic variables and questions related to biomedical waste management, including definitions, segregation, colour coding, handling, disposal and safety measures. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test were used for analysis. Results: Among the 50 housekeeping staff, 58% were aged 40–50 years, 98% were female, 98% had schooling education, and 100% had a monthly income of Rs. 5,000–10,000. Most were married (94%), lived in terrace houses (72%), belonged to nuclear families (74%), were Hindu (96%), lived in rural areas (78%), and had 7–8 years of hospital work experience (48%). Regarding knowledge, 84% had adequate knowledge and 16% had highly adequate knowledge; none had moderate, inadequate or highly inadequate knowledge. Education showed a statistically significant association with knowledge (χ² = 5.375, p = 0.021), whereas age, sex, income, marital status, type of house, type of family, religion, residential area and years of working experience were not significantly associated with knowledge. Conclusion: The majority of housekeeping staff had adequate knowledge regarding biomedical waste management. Educational status was significantly associated with knowledge. Regular training, supervision and reinforcement of biomedical waste management procedures are recommended.