• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.143-151
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• 2024

This study was on the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical waste management in medium-sized hospitals located in D Metropolitan City in Korea. This work was intended to be used as basic data for improving the level of medical waste management. The questionnaire data were analyzed by t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé's test, and multiple regression methods. The Factors influencing the knowledge of medical waste management were that males had a lower knowledge level of medical waste than females (β=-0.272, P<0.01), and it was found that the more adequate medical waste containers were provided, the higher the knowledge level of medical waste management (β=0.180, P<0.05). The factors affecting the attitude were not significant, and the factors affecting the practice showed that the higher the attitude score, the higher the level of practice (β=0.465, P<0.001). It was shown that gender and sufficient provision of medical waste containers had an effect on the knowledge of medical waste management, and the attitude toward medical waste management was identified as a factor influencing the practice. Individual education and training according to the characteristics of medical workers, and periodic guidance and inspection of medical waste managers will be required to increase the attitude of medical workers toward medical waste management. We need to construct a management process that thoroughly separates medical waste from the beginning of the medical waste generation, leading to the establishment of a positive attitude toward medical waste management.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.174-182
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find out how much influence nursing students' environmental consciousness and knowledge of medical waste have on their attitudes toward medical waste. Methods: The subjects were 211 nursing students recruited from 2 universities. Data were collected with a structured self-report questionnaire comprising measures of environmental consciousness, and knowledge of and attitude toward medical waste. Data analysis was conducted with the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program. Results: A total of 211 copies of the questionnaire were used for the final analysis, except for 9 untrusted responses out of 220 that included missing values. Those subjects' environmental consciousness who received environmental education in middle and high schools was higher (t=3.15, p=.002). The higher their grades, the better their knowledge of medical waste (F=3.40, p=.035). Those subjects' knowledge of medical waste who received medical waste education was relatively high (t=3.14, p=.002). Those subjects with clinical practice experience had more sensitive attitudes toward medical waste (t=2.06, p=.041). Those subjects' attitudes toward Medical waste who received medical waste education at the universities were relatively high (t=2.04, p=.043). The subjects' environmental consciousness was positively correlated with their attitudes toward medical waste (r=.44, p<.001). The most influential factor in their attitudes toward medical waste is their environmental attitudes and medical waste education. Conclusion: The higher the nursing students' environmental consciousness, the higher their attitudes toward medical waste. It is necessary to provide environment and medical waste education for nursing students in order to strengthen their environmental consciousness and attitude toward medical waste.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.532-544
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• 2017

Objectives: Because the amount of medical waste (i.e., health-care waste) generated in Korea is rapidly increasing and social concern against its safety is widespread, a number of issues related with medical wastes are being discussed. The purpose of this study is to compare diverse medical waste management systems worldwide and propose future directions of a medical waste management system in Korea. Methods: Literature review was conducted mainly on the WHO, and developed countries such as the European Union (Germany, Belgium and UK), Japan and the United States. For these countries, the data with respect to their systems for medical waste management ranging from the definition of medical waste to the whole processes of collection, transportation and disposal were summarized and compared. Results: The terminology and classification of medical wastes were not consistent for WHO recommendation, EU, Japan, US and Korea. Comparison of the collection, storage, transportation and disposal of medical waste showed that Korea had rather stronger regulations for medical waste management compared to developed countries including Belgium (Flanders region), Germany, Japan and the US. Considering that developed countries adopt rather flexible disposal system especially for general medical wastes which pose lower possibility of infection, Korean government could consider diversifying disposal methods other than incineration. It may also be very important to try to reduce the amount of medical wastes and enough capacity for off-site incineration are secured. Conclusion: Our study of international comparisons suggests that it is necessary to continue to identify advantages and disadvantages of the current medical waste management systems and establish more effective one in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.327-336
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the factors affecting the practice of medical waste management of nurses in tertiary general hospitals after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: The participants were 154 nurses working in two tertiary general hospitals. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using an Independent t-test, One-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS/WIN 27.0 program. Results: Factors significantly influencing the subject's practice of medical waste management include medical waste education(β=.18, p=.013), recognition of infection control organizational culture (β=.26, p=.007), and attitudes toward medical waste management (β=.23, p=.011). The explanatory power of these variables for medical waste management practice was 29.0% (F=7.34, p<.001). Conclusion: To improve the practice of medical waste management, a strategy to provide positive attitudes toward medical waste management should be needed when developing medical waste management training programs, and various measures are necessary to make the organizational culture positive for the implementation of infection control guidelines at the organizational level.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.81-90
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• 1995

This study was conducted to find out the management status of radioisotopes and radioactive waste products in Korean medical institutions during the period of three years from 1991 to 1993. The results are summarized as follows : 1. The rate of medical institution to the institutions making use of radioisotopes was decreased every year, for example, 18.11 % in the year 1991, 17.86 % in the year 1992 and 15.87 % in the year 1993. 2. The use of domestic made radioisotopes in the medical institution was increased every year, for instance, 89.68 % in the year 1991, 94.21 % in the year 1992 and 99.79 % in the year 1993. 3. 91.01 % of the half life of isotopes used in the medical Institution were two month below. 4. The rate of radioactive waste products in the medical institution to all radioactive waste products was increased every year, for example, 54.44 % in the year 1991, 75.36 % in 1992 and 78.49 % in the year 1993. 5. The rate of inflammable waste products from medical institution was 76.47 % of all inflammable waste products, and 73.99 % of whole waste products was from the medical Institution.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.449-457
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• 2015

Objectives: In Korea, the system of management of medical waste largely relies on the incineration method. Our study aimed to identify any regional imbalances between the generation and treatment of medical waste, and provide reference data for future policy in Korea. Methods: We analyzed data on the amount of medical waste from 2,000 hospitals in 2012, 2013, and 2014 obtained from the Korea Environment Corporation. In the Arc GIS program (version 10.2.3), the addresses of hospitals and incinerators were transformed into map coordinates. The amount of waste generated by each hospital and the amount incinerated were represented by density and size of a triangle symbol, respectively. Results: As of 2014, the total amount of medical waste from the top 2,000 hospitals was 136,073 tons, out of which about half (49%) was generated in the capital area. Eleven incineration companies (three in the capital area, two in the Chungcheong Provinces area, one in the Jeolla Provinces area, and five in the Gyeongsang Provinces area) treated this waste. For the years 2012, 2013, and 2014, about 60% of the medical waste generated from the hospitals in the capital area was treated within the capital area and about 40% was transported to other areas, especially the Gyeongsang Provinces area, for treatment. On the other hand, about 90% of the medical waste incinerated in the capital area originated from the capital area. Conclusion: Our results suggest a spatial imbalance between the generation and treatment of medical waste in Korea and warrants multilateral policies, including the expansion of on-site treatment, strengthening regulation of the containment of medical wastes, promoting reductions in medical waste and more.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.194-204
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• 2020

This study investigated and analyzed the Korean and international status of radioactive waste management for medical linear accelerators (linacs) and proceed prior research to suggest radiation safety regulations and guidelines for the safe use of radiation. We analyzed the number of linacs installed in the radiation oncology departments of 103 institutions. In addition, we analyzed the procedures and standards for disposal in Korea and foreign countries. For foreign countries, we analyzed the status based on reports from the United States, Japan, Europe, and Canada. A total of 182 linacs are installed in Korea and 95% of them use more than 10 MV of energy. In Korea, standards for managing radioactive waste from a linac, disposal procedures, and clearance criteria have yet to be established. Therefore, radioactive waste is disposed of in different ways depending on the hospitals where they originate. Japan, the US, and Canada have recommended clearance levels and procedures for linacs. Other countries have provided management guidelines for research or large-scale accelerators, but not for medical purposes. In this study, we investigated the management of radioactive waste from medical linacs in Korea and abroad. Several foreign countries have suggested a clearance level and criteria for disposing of waste storage drums. For the safe management of medical linacs, it is necessary to establish safety management regulations. In Korea, standards for disposal, such as radiation or dose limits, are required for medical linacs. A system for clearance when disposing at a medical institution should be created.

• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.11 no.E
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• pp.13-21
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• 1995

This Pilot study identifies potential dioxin and furan sources and medical plastic wastes produced from hospital solid waste streams. In this study, air emissions of dioxins and furans from sources in the U.S., which were estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), were summarized. Potential loading routes of dioxins and furans to the U.S.-Canada Great Lakes region have also been identified in trcent surveys. In addition, medical and hospital solid wastes produced in typical large city hospitals were characterized as important potential sources of dioxins and furans. Plastic contents in medical Plastics Characterization Survey (MMPCS), plastics composition data were obtained from a survey of five Massachusetts Hospitals and Medical Centers. By identifying plastic wastes as a percentage of total hospital wastes, we were able to use data from a preliminary study that analyzed the waste stream of 16 major New York City hospitals (NYCMWS) characterizing the plastic content of the wasters. This study determined the types of plastic wastes included in each medical waste stream (regulated medical waste or non regulated medical waste) and it discussed the potential for recyclibility of hospital plastic wastes. The combination of the NYCMWS and the MMPCS surveys provides for the first overview of the size of the recycling task of hospital plastic wastes and the potential of dioxin elimination if dioxin generating plastics were to be eliminated from hospital use.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.79-89
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• 2017

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 (${\beta}=.45$, 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.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.5
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• pp.1034-1048
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• 2024

The use of insects as a food source is not a new idea, but it has gained momentum in recent years due to the need for sustainable protein source in livestock feedstuffs and for more environmentally friendly organic waste treatment. In the case of black soldier fly larvae, Hermetia illucens, research has focused on their ability to convert organic waste into usable nutrients and their potential as a protein source for animal and human consumption. In this study, black soldier fly larvae were reared on raw food waste (FW) mixed with garlic peel waste (G) and hydronic growth media waste (H) and the proximate composition and bioactive potential of black soldier fly larvae extract (SFL) were compared. Analysis showed that protein content of SFL fed with G was 4.21% higher and lipid content was 9.93% lower than FW. Similar results were obtained for SFL fed with H. Antioxidant activity of SFL-G was higher than that of SFL-FW and SFL-H. SFL-G treatment exhibited enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenesis activities as well compared to SFL-FW. Current results suggested that feeding black soldier fly larvae with food waste added with garlic peel and hydroponic growth media waste resulted in increased nutritional value, polyphenol content and bioactivity for SFLs. In this context, garlic peel waste-added food waste was suggested a promising substrate for black soldier fly larvae to obtain high-quality protein source with enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic potential.