Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior Toward Laboratory Safety of Health-Science Students at Thammasat University

Abstract

          This research evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and behavior toward laboratory safety of health-science students at Thammasat University. This study was conducted in second-year health-science undergraduate students (from the Faculties of Medicine, Applied Thai Traditional Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Nursing) who used the medical science laboratory facilities. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Majority of health-science students had a good level of knowledge, a good level of attitude as well as a good level of behavior toward laboratory safety. However, it is worth noting that only 5.78% of health-science students had a good level of knowledge about chemical safety information. Moreover, from the direct observation, some incidents such as minor cuts from mishandling dissection tools; broken test tubes; spilled chemical reagents; and even a lab gown caught fire were found during the students’ laboratory sessions. The study also showed that students’ behavior toward laboratory safety was positively correlated with the level of knowledge and with the level of attitude Overall, this study showed that knowledge of laboratory safety determined attitudes and behavior. In order to promote the appropriate laboratory-safety behavior of students, we must provide knowledge especially information about safety and dangers that may occur in laboratories. Creating clear rules as well as implementing regulations may be needed to improve proper laboratory practices, which will lead to the most appropriate behavior that meets the safety standards.