Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice for Managing Infectious Waste Management during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey in Thailand

Kultida Bunjongsiri; Pathanin Sangaroon; Araya Prasertchai; Anunya Pradidthaprecha; Worrawit Nakpan; Saruda Jiratkulthana; Pokkamol Laoraksawong

doi:10.14456/nujst.2023.15

Authors

Kultida Bunjongsiri School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, 11120, Thailand
Pathanin Sangaroon School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, 11120, Thailand
Araya Prasertchai School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, 11120, Thailand
Anunya Pradidthaprecha School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, 11120, Thailand
Worrawit Nakpan School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, 11120, Thailand
Saruda Jiratkulthana School of Health Science, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi, 11120, Thailand
Pokkamol Laoraksawong Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14456/nujst.2023.15

Keywords:

knowledge, attitude, practice, infection, COVID-19

Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which started in late 2019, has had a significant impact worldwide. During the pandemic a massive amount of infectious waste has been produced, making the planning and creation of new waste management systems imperative. The objective of our research was to assess the Knowledge of, Attitude towards, and Practices (KAP) of, infectious waste management and disposal, particularly COVID-19 waste, of Thai people. This cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months from October 2020 to April 2021. A self-administrated questionnaire was returned by 281 respondents and the data derived from the questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that 76.16% of respondents showed a good level of knowledge, 81.49% exhibited positive attitudes towards proper infectious waste management, and 43.77% of respondents had moderate practice levels. Analysis of the responses suggested that the ideal course of action for infectious waste management is to include the informal sector in strategies for managing infectious waste, drawing on their practices and knowledge while aiming to improve production and the living and working conditions of those involved. To lessen the risk of environmental contamination and the possibility of infection or harm to the general population, local authorities should develop a well-planned collection and transfer mechanism for infectious waste.

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