Medical waste represents a significant health risk and an environmental pollution concern due to its hazardous characteristics. The knowledge and practice of healthcare personnel in respect of the disposal of medical waste is essential to perform effective medical waste management. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medical waste management among healthcare workers in clinics (medical and dental clinics, specialized medical, laboratory clinics, polyclinics, and midwifery clinics) in Phuket, Thailand. A cross-sectional study was designed with stratified-random sampling used to select the sample of 344 respondents from 172 clinics of which data were collected using face-to-face interviews. The results showed that the majority of respondents (87.2%) were female of whom 36.9% were aged (20–29), 52.0% had more than 5 years working experience, and 51.2% had participated in at least one training course regarding medical waste management. The overall scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were at a high level (89.5%, 91.9%, and 92.2%, respectively). Significant and positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitude (r = 0.464), knowledge and practice (r = 0.396), and practice and attitude (r = 0.519). Statistical analysis using t tests and one-way analysis of variance showed that working experience and its duration were significant factors influencing good medical waste management practice. However, local authorities should implement a well-planned collection and transfer process for medical waste in order to reduce the risk of environmental pollution and the risk of infection or injury to healthcare workers and the general public.

Clinical waste is increasing significant health hazards and environmental pollution concern due to its characteristics of the infectious waste. The personnel practice in infectious waste management is a necessary primary step requires for initiating effective management of clinical waste management. Therefore, this study is aimed to assess Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) in handling infectious waste among personnel in clinics located in Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand. A simple random sampling was used to identify 284 respondents from 142 clinics with a response rate of 85.2% by face-to-face interview with healthcare workers. The results showed that the majority of respondents were female (85.5%), aged between 20-29 years old (36.0%). Most of respondents were medical assistants/nurses/laboratory scientists (60.8%) with more than 5 years working experience (55.4%) and had the experience in handling infectious waste (72.3%) and participated training in infectious waste management (54.5%). The overall scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of respondents in clinic regarding infectious waste management are in a high level (88.4%, 90.9%, and 92.2%, respectively). It is suggested that Phuket Municipality should has a well-planned collection and transfer process of infectious wastes in order to reduce the risk of environmental pollution, public health and healthcare workers.