Effectiveness of poster method on the wall and pictorial method on bins on knowledge and practice regarding segregation of biomedical waste – A comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: The proper segregation of Bio-medical Waste at point of generation is a prime concern. It has been observed that there was poor practice among health care workers in segregating waste in different color-coded bins despite fair knowledge about it. Hence, the study was undertaken to identify effective methods to influence knowledge and practice regarding segregating bio-medical waste.

Methods: A quasi-experimental and two groups post-test only design was adopted. The study was conducted in selected wards of NEIGRIHMS Hospital, Shillong, India. The Wards were randomly selected, of which 63 and 78 participants were exposed to pictorial and poster method respectively. The participants which comprises of PGs, JRDs, Interns, Staff Nurses, B.Sc Nursing students and Grade IV workers. Practice was assessed by using checklist tool through direct observation and knowledge was assessed by using self-administered questionnaire.

Results: The mean score of participants in terms of practice and knowledge in pictorial method was 9.52±0.61 and 11.38±2.2 respectively whereas in poster method it was found to be 7.59±1.46 and 8.45±2.16 respectively. The pictorial group demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge (Knowledge: t =7.85,p=0.00) and practice (t=9.57, p value=0.00) than poster group at 95% of level of significance. The correlation-coefficient in terms of practice and knowledge score among the participants who were exposed to pictorial and poster method was 0.46 and 0.32 respectively.

Conclusion: It is recommended that the use of pictures on the bins will act as ready reference and daily viewing of these pictures act as reinforcement that enhances knowledge and practice and habit formation.