Problems in the management of medical waste in Thailand.
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.
Danchaivijitrmd
Somwang
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok. sisdc@mahidol.ac.th
Santiprasitkul
Somporn
S
Tiersuwan
Suwanna
S
Naksawas
Kakanang
K
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
D017744:Medical Waste Disposal