Diagnosis of the management of Biological Infectious Hazardous Waste generated in Hospital Level II in Mexico

Abstract

Among the main problems presented by health care institutions is the incorrect handling of infectious biological hazardous waste (RPBI), which represents a risk of infection for people and contamination of the environment. The objective of the research is to diagnose the management of RPBI according to the specifications of NOM-087-ECOL-SSA1-2002 in a level II hospital in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. A questionnaire with 20 questions was designed and applied to 30 mayor and nursing employees, with the purpose of measuring the knowledge they have in the collection, storage and transport of waste, periodic tours were carried out through a checklist to review compliance of the rule. 77% of the staff knows how to handle them and the care they should have, especially with sharps, 80% know the correct storage according to the type of these dangerous substances and 40% of the surveyed employees are unaware of the personal protective equipment they must use. Although there is legislation in Mexico on the management of RPBI, it is not applied effectively due to ignorance, lack of training or supervision within health care centers.