Primary Health Care Workers` Attıtudes and Behaviors Toward Medical Waste

Authors : Ozan Özkol, Kamer Gür, Emine Ekici, Mehmet Akif Sezerol

Pages : 344-350

Doi:10.21763/tjfmpc.1677439

View : 229 | Download : 414

Publication Date : 2025-12-08

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Introduction: The attitudes and behaviors of healthcare workers towards medical waste represent a significant concern for public health. This study aimed to determine the attitudes and behaviors of primary healthcare workers towards medical waste. Method: The population of this descriptive study consisted of 207 nurses, doctors, midwives, and EMTs working in 24 family health centers, 1 enhanced migrant health center, and 1 district health directorate in a district of Istanbul. The sample size was determined to be 172 using G Power. Data were collected between January and February 2025 using a “Descriptive Information Form” and the “Medical Waste Attitude and Behavior Scale” (MWABS). A total of 172 participants were reached, and the data were analyzed using SPSS. Ethics committee approval was obtained. Results: 77.3% of the participants were female, 48.8% had a bachelor\\\'s degree, the mean age was 38.84±9.20, 37.2% were nurses, 37.8% were physicians, and 19.8% were midwives. 90.7% had 4 years or more of professional experience, and 14% were managers. Medical waste training was given to 63.4% of the participants. In the study, statistically significant differences were found between MWABS scores according to age, gender, professional experience, and place of work (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was found that women, participants aged 30 years and older, those with more than 4 years of professional experience, and migrant health center workers had better attitudes and behaviors towards medical waste than others. It is recommended that beginner healthcare workers be given training on medical waste.
Keywords : Tıbbi atık, Tutum, Davranış, Sağlık çalışanları

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