title: Problems in the management of medical waste in Thailand.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify problems in the management of medical waste in Thailand for future development.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was done in 39 hospitals during June and July 2002 by interviewing medical personnel on knowledge and attitude in management of medical waste, observation of practice and checking the amount of medical waste in waste bags. Certain laboratory investigations were done in dustmen.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The amount of medical waste was 0.41 kilogram per bed per day. Problems identified were inadequate knowledge in management, improper practices, high incidence of sharp injury at work. Laboratory tests in dustmen showed evidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in 3.4%, parasites and intestinal pathogens in stools 5.1% and positive for HBsAg in 8.5%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improper management of medical waste was present in all hospitals. Risks of exposure and incidence of infection related to the management were at concerned levels. Education and practice guidelines are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok. sisdc@mahidol.ac.th
authors.forename: Somwang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Danchaivijitrmd
authors.forename: Somporn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Santiprasitkul
authors.forename: Suwanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tiersuwan
authors.forename: Kakanang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Naksawas
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006797:Housekeeping, Hospital / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016357:Infection Control Practitioners / Q000193:education; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008284:Maintenance and Engineering, Hospital / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education; D011361:Professional Competence; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand
chemical_list: D017744:Medical Waste Disposal