Javeed Ahamed Golandaj and Karabasappa Gadigeppa Kallihal
Enormous amount of biomedical wastes (BMW) produced everyday across the world. Management of BMW depends on adherence to protocol. BMW management at generation point, definitely…
Abstract
Purpose
Enormous amount of biomedical wastes (BMW) produced everyday across the world. Management of BMW depends on adherence to protocol. BMW management at generation point, definitely, depends upon the awareness, attitudes and practises of health-care staff, the purpose of this study will assess the awareness, attitude and practise regarding different aspects of BMW.
Design/methodology/approach
An observational with appropriate checklists, and a cross-sectional study, involving questionnaires, was conducted during 7-24 January 2016. The existing system of BMW management, funds, resources, etc., knowledge, attitude and practises about BMW were assessed amongst 273 health-care workers in selected public health-care institutes of Karnataka.
Findings
Of 273 study participants, majority (54%) of them have not received any training pertaining to BMW. The results showed a poor level of knowledge and awareness of BMW management amongst health-care personnel. Merely, 43% of the participants correctly knew the categorization of BMW and its disposal in proper colour-coded bins/bags. Awareness is very poor amongst the lower age group, male participants, lab-technicians/pharmacists and supporting staff. Doctors were good at theoretical knowledge such as rules, legislation and public-health importance of BMW management than the practical aspects such as categorization and colour-coding. Further, the attitude of health-care staff is favourable about BMW. Immunization for hepatitis-B was very poor amongst waste handlers (43%).
Originality/value
As the awareness and practise regarding BMW management were poor across different health-care staff there is a need to conduct periodic training and regular monitoring with special focus on the proper use of personal protective equipment. Further, precautionary immunization should be provided, especially waste handlers and sanitary workers.
Details
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Javeed Ahamed Golandaj, Srinivas Goli and Kailash Chandra Das
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the pattern of living arrangements among the older population and perception about old age support in the Indian adult population.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the pattern of living arrangements among the older population and perception about old age support in the Indian adult population.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used India Human Development Survey (IHDS), 2004‐2005 data for empirical analyses. Bivariate and multivariate models are used as statistical analyses for this study. This study is an evidence‐based interpretation of living arrangements among older persons and perception about future living arrangement and financial assistance among current adult people.
Findings
It was found that 17 percent of older population lived with their spouse only; only 2 percent lived singly, and the rest of 85 percent elderly were living in co‐residence with children. A majority of women respondents are expecting their sons to live with them, to take care and provide financial and emotional support in their old age. This indicates that the family will continue to be a significant social institution for the care and support for the older population in India.
Originality/value
This study is the first of its kind, which, in addition, to living arrangement patterns of the older population, provides some insight about the expectations of the current adult generation about living and financial preferences in old age.