Handling of biohazardous infectious waste among university students in schools of chemical and health sciences in Mexico

Luis G. Mendoza-Ruiz, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
Guadalupe González-Díaz, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
Francisco J. Barron-Santos, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
María Y.L. Ordaz-Guillén, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
Juan M. Vigueras-Cortés, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico

Biohazardous infectious waste (corresponds to Residuos Peligrosos Biológicos Infecciosos [RPBI], in Spanish) management in university settings is critical for safety and regulatory compliance. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the level of knowledge regarding RPBI management among university students in health and chemical sciences in Mexico, where practices are governed by the Official Standard NOM-087-SEMARNAT-SSA1-2002. A systematic search was conducted in Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Nature, SpringerLink, Cell, and PubMed for studies published until November 2025. Three cross-sectional studies (n = 245 students) were included in the study. Results indicate an acceptable general knowledge of RPBI definitions and classification (70-79% correct). However, significant gaps persist in practical components such as appropriate treatment, storage, and final disposal (28-60% correct). Methodological heterogeneity, lack of inferential statistical analysis, and the use of non-validated instruments limit the robustness of findings. We conclude that while theoretical knowledge is moderate, practical knowledge is insufficient. Strengthening practical training, standardizing evaluation tools, and employing longitudinal designs are urgently needed.

Keywords: Biohazardous infectious waste. Handling. Knowledge. University students. NOM-087.