%0 Journal Article
%T Environmental Implications of COVID-19 Medical Waste: Public Perception in Eastern Saudi Arabia
%A Victor Nascimento
%A Igor Paiva
%A Leandro Rocha
%J Interdisciplinary Research in Medical Sciences Specialty
%@ 3062-4401
%D 2025
%V 5
%N 2
%R 10.51847/sEbwLqHv3V
%P 78-90
%X The novel coronavirus primarily spreads through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces. To limit transmission, the widespread use of face masks and gloves has become a daily practice, resulting in a significant rise in environmental waste. Improper disposal of these items in public spaces may further facilitate virus transmission. Despite this growing concern, studies exploring public perceptions of managing pandemic-related masks and gloves remain scarce. This study investigates public awareness, attitudes, and practices concerning the disposal of gloves and masks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. The results indicate that 74% of participants are knowledgeable about correct disposal practices, and 76% demonstrate positive attitudes toward waste management. Gender was significantly associated with adherence to biomedical waste regulations (r = 0.169, p = 0.0001) and with recognizing community responsibility in proper COVID-19 waste disposal (r = 0.158, p = 0.0001). Most participants were aware of existing regulations governing biomedical waste collection and disposal. Furthermore, public perception of the effectiveness of municipal measures to prevent virus spread showed a significant positive correlation with awareness levels (r = 0.279, p = 0.0001). Overall, the findings emphasize that proper management of infectious waste is essential to safeguard communities from the risks associated with improper disposal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
%U https://galaxypub.co/article/environmental-implications-of-covid-19-medical-waste-public-perception-in-eastern-saudi-arabia-30mimmmemh5y3hh