earticle

영어

Objectives : As a descriptive study, the present research investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding medical waste and factors influencing these variables, based on nurses working at university hospitals in Busan and Gyoengnam provinces. Methods : The 508 participants were selected from five university hospitals in Busan and Kyongnam provinces and consented to participate in the study between June 1 and July 15, 2016. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS 23.0 based on descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe’s test, Person correlation coefficients, and hierarchical analysis. Results : The average scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding medical waste among the participants were 15.88 (1.71), 4.38 (0.45), and 4.24 (0.40) respectively. When the scores for the knowledge and attitude related to medical waste were higher, the score for practice (r=.500, p<.001) increased, and the most influential factor on practice regarding medical waste was attitude toward medical waste (β=.45, p<.001). Conclusions : Thus, to reinforce a positive attitude toward medical waste management, continuous education and a systematic approach to minimize health and environmental hazards are needed.