Knowledge, Awareness, and Safety Behavior in Physiology Laboratory, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Thailand

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the levels of knowledge, safety awareness, and safety behaviors associated with the use of the physiology laboratory at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 45 participants, including 15 academic and support staff members in the field of physiology (33.30%) and 30 second-year medical students (66.70%). Male participants accounted for 37.80% of the sample, while female participants comprised 62.20%. The results demonstrated that participants exhibited the highest levels of knowledge and safety awareness across all assessed domains, including laboratory management x-bar = 4.64, laboratory environment management x-bar = 4.62, accident prevention in the laboratory x-bar = 4.60), and overall laboratory safety awareness x-bar = 4.53. Regarding laboratory safety behaviors, participants reported consistently practicing safe behaviors, including compliance with laboratory rules and regulations x-bar = 3.79, appropriate use of laboratory equipment x-bar = 3.42, and responsible user behavior in the laboratory x-bar = 3.53. However, certain potentially unsafe behaviors were occasionally reported, such as inconsistent cleaning and proper storage of glassware after use and engaging in playful interactions with peers during laboratory sessions. These findings suggest that although knowledge, awareness, and safety practices were generally high, continuous safety education and reinforcement of laboratory safety policies remain necessary to further enhance safety standards in medical education laboratories.