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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Solid Waste Management among Undergraduate Students in a Philippine State University

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This cross-sectional survey was conducted to capture the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) on solid waste management (SWM) from a total of 2,528 undergraduate students enrolled in the Laguna State Polytechnic University – Los Baños Campus (LSPU-LBC) during the 2nd Semester, A.Y. 2015-16. While most students had satisfactory levels for knowledge (73.4%) and attitude (71.0%) on SWM-related matters, less than half (43.1%), showed satisfactory practice level. Similarly, the relatively higher average rating for knowledge (87.8%) and attitude (87.0%) of the students were both inconsistent with the lower average practice rating (72.5%). The average KAP rating was 82.3%, with merely half (55%) had satisfactory KAP ratings. The interaction effect between knowledge and attitude ratings significantly predicted the students' practice rating (r 2 =0.11; P<0.005). The students' average KAP ratings were also somehow also linked to their social status, whereby, satisfactory KAP rating was significantly associated with students from medium-sized families (5-9 members), having parents with moderate academic backgrounds and held permanent jobs. The students' perceived abundance-ranking for some common household solid wastes, as well as household solid waste-stocking preference and disposal systems are also presented. Inclusion of relevant topics–with emphasis on proper SWM and other solid waste-issues–in the undergraduate curriculum of LSPU-LBC is recommended to promote awareness on environmental issues and improve attitude of college students towards environmentally-sustainable practices.
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Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol.6, No.6, 2016
146
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Solid Waste Management
among Undergraduate Students in a Philippine State University
Eveth P. Barloa
1
, Lustina P. Lapie
2
, and Christian Paul P. de la Cruz
2*
1. Los Baños National High School, Los Baños 4031, Laguna, Philippines
2. Graduate Studies and Applied Research, College of Teacher Education, Laguna State Polytechnic
University – Los Baños Campus, Los Baños 4030, Laguna, Philippines
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey was conducted to capture the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) on solid
waste management (SWM) from a total of 2,528 undergraduate students enrolled in the Laguna State
Polytechnic University – Los Baños Campus (LSPU-LBC) during the 2nd Semester, A.Y. 2015-16. While most
students had satisfactory levels for knowledge (73.4%) and attitude (71.0%) on SWM-related matters, less than
half (43.1%), showed satisfactory practice level. Similarly, the relatively higher average rating for knowledge
(87.8%) and attitude (87.0%) of the students were both inconsistent with the lower average practice rating
(72.5%). The average KAP rating was 82.3%, with merely half (55%) had satisfactory KAP ratings. The
interaction effect between knowledge and attitude ratings significantly predicted the students’ practice rating
(r
2
=0.11; P<0.005). The students’ average KAP ratings were also somehow also linked to their social status,
whereby, satisfactory KAP rating was significantly associated with students from medium-sized families (5-9
members), having parents with moderate academic backgrounds and held permanent jobs. The students’
perceived abundance-ranking for some common household solid wastes, as well as household solid waste-
stocking preference and disposal systems are also presented. Inclusion of relevant topics–with emphasis on
proper SWM and other solid waste-issues–in the undergraduate curriculum of LSPU-LBC is recommended to
promote awareness on environmental issues and improve attitude of college students towards environmentally-
sustainable practices.
Keywords: Environment, KAP, Philippines, Solid waste management, Students
1. Introduction
The persistent increase in human population and rapid industrialization has caused the continuing global
problems on improper wastes disposal (Atienza, 2008). The major drawbacks concerning wastes management,
especially in the developing countries are the ineffective waste collection strategies and the lack of disposal sites
(Reyes et al., 2013). It has been suggested, likewise, that practices of basic solid waste management (SWM) are
often neglected at the individual level (Licy et al., 2013). While most people are aware of the negative impacts of
mismanaged wastes on the environment, their negative attitude coupled with insufficient environmental
knowledge among individuals usually corresponds to poor practices towards maintaining good environmental
conditions (Licy et al., 2013). Enactment of certain policies relevant to improving environmental sanitation and
community-perception on waste management is a matter of national urgency to minimize imminent outbreaks of
diseases and adverse impacts on the economy due to loss of workdays, treatment cost, and clean-up activities
(Joseph, 2006). Thus, the Ecological Solid Waste Management or Republic Act 9003 in the Philippines mandates
the Local Government Units (LGUs) to implement programs on proper solid waste management at the municipal
level (Reyes et al., 2013).
The Municipality of Los Baños in the Province of Laguna, Philippines is a first class town, subdivided into
14 barangays and with an estimated 101, 884 human population as of 2010 census (NSO, 2013). Several
important research agencies and institutions are located within the area, including the premier national
university, the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic,
and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) of the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), among others. In recognition of its role as a center
for research, development, and environmental preservation, Los Baños was declared as a Special Science and
Nature City of the Philippines through Presidential Proclamation No. 349. Therefore, Los Baños is expected to
maintain good environmental standing and should serve as model community of the environment in the entire
country.
The “Anti-littering and Waste Segregation Program” has been implemented in Los Baños through a
municipal ordinance. The ordinance enforces strict waste segregation schemes, collection schedule of
Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol.6, No.6, 2016
147
biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes, and execution of corresponding penalties for non-compliance. The
town’s open dumpsite was converted into an Ecological Waste Processing Center (EWPC) in June 2004. The
EWPC was declared as an MRF by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), with the
following operational procedures: segregation at source, unloading of bio-wastes, final sorting of bio-waste,
composting, and shredding of residual waste specifically plastics. Unfortunately, problems linked to solid wastes
continue to persist in the town. To possibly achieve good environmental status, genuine concern to preserve the
environment plus improvement in practice level should initially emanate from the members of the community.
According to Arora and Agarwal (2011), the problems of waste management are predominant in developing
countries without substantial environmental awareness programs for the community.
Several community surveys have sought to capture the level of knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP) among
students regarding the environment. Students are particularly targeted since they are regarded as the future of the
nation and schools are expected to develop their potential as advocates of sustainable environment (Ahmad et al.,
2015). Studies have also shown that students exhibit moderate to unsatisfactory practice level on waste
management (Desa et al., 2011; Adeolu et al., 2014; Ahmad et al., 2015). Therefore, this study was conducted to
capture the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of college students on solid waste management. This is to
elucidate the roots of continuing problems on solid wastes towards improved environmental integrity, especially
in the Municipality of Los Baños.
2. Methodology
2.1 Research Design
The cross-sectional study design was adopted in conducting the KAP survey as a form educational diagnosis for
targeted communities (Kaliyaperumal et al., 2004). This study involved college students enrolled in different
degree programs under several College Units in Laguna State Polytechnic University Los Baños Campus during
the Second Semester, A.Y. 2015-2016. The minimum sample size of 385 was taken based on Cochran’s formula
to estimate the proportion of a dichotomous-response. In using the formula, the maximum variability of the
attribute (50%) was assumed, along with the desired 95% confidence level and 5% level of precision (Israel,
2013).
The cluster sampling technique was utilized to facilitate the selection process. Briefly, the total list of all
on-going classes was initially obtained from the University Registrar’s office. Each class was considered as
primary sampling unit and the minimum sample size was adjusted using the finite population correction formula
(Israel, 2013). Thus, a total of 86 classes (out of 106) across different degree programs were randomly selected
and all students present at the time of the survey were requested to join. Involvement was purely voluntary and
student-subjects were allowed to withdraw at any stage. The final number of students included in this study was
2,528 based on completeness and validity of their responses.
2.2 Research Instrument
Data were gathered using a three-part structured questionnaire prepared in English language and subjected to
pilot testing to ensure feasibility and content validity. The computed Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.794 and was
deemed acceptable according to a standard scale (George and Mallery, 2003). The first part aimed to collect the
socio-demographic profiles of the student-respondents. The second part comprised several statement-indicators
to assess the students’ knowledge, attitude, and practices using the Ruler and Option Scale (ROS) as an ideal tool
to generate interval metrics. In using the ROS, students with “agree” response on certain KAP statements were
further asked to rate their answer from one as the minimum rating up to 100% as the maximum rating. Other
options such as “disagree”, “no opinion”, and not applicable to me” did not qualify for any amount of ratings
(Yusoff and Janor, 2014). The third portion of the test-form was focused on the students’ perceived relative
abundance of some common household solid wastes, solid waste-stocking preference, and waste disposal
systems as practiced in their homes. Prior to the actual survey, all involved faculty members were trained on the
proper administration of the survey questionnaire.
2.3 Statistical Analysis
All data were organized in a spread sheet and subsequent separate cross-checking was done by two different
individuals. All categorical measurements were coded numerically to facilitate data transfer and analyses. All
statistical procedures were performed in SPSS Statistics version 20.0. Actual counts, relative frequencies, and
Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
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mean scores were used in the descriptive analysis to describe the characteristics of the sample population under
study. Significant associations between continuous variables were examined in linear regression; whereas,
dependence of variables with dichotomous-response was statistically determined using the binary logit model.
The non-parametric Friedman test was used in comparing related measures. All inferential statistics were
performed at 95% confidence level.
3. Results
3.1 Respondents’ Profiles
Majority were residents of Los Baños (67%); females (51.2%); within the age bracket of 15-20 years old
(68.7%) with mean age of 20.2 (±3.21); and single (95.1%) at the time of the survey. In terms of their parents’
employment status, 51.7% and 66.7% of the student-respondents had fathers and mothers held non-permanent
jobs, respectively; regarding the parents’ highest educational attainment, most student-respondents had fathers
(38.7%) and mothers (31.4%), who were high school graduates; finally, more than half or 57.5% of the came
from small families (i.e., 1-4 members); and most of them (48.5%) belonged to families with an average monthly
income ranging from five thousand to ten thousand pesos.
3.2 Students’ KAP Ratings on SWM
Individual ratings for knowledge, attitude, and practices were computed to describe the average KAP level on
SWM. Comparable average ratings were obtained for knowledge (87.8%) and attitude (87.0%); whereas;
remarkably low average rating was obtained for practice (72.5%). The average general KAP rating was 82.5%
and deemed unsatisfactory or needs improvement. This indicates that the lower scores in practice might have
pulled the KAP scores off the satisfactory rating. The average KAP ratings were subsequently converted into a
dichotomous-response. Thus, an average score of 85 and above was considered “satisfactory”, otherwise, the
student rating was deemed as “needs improvement” (Table 1).
Results on dichotomized-response rate on average KAP showed that most students had satisfactory
knowledge (73.4%) and attitude (71.0%) ratings. Interestingly, the number of students with satisfactory practice
rating was only 43.1%, suggesting that having high knowledge and good attitude did not translate into exemplary
practice level. Detailed inspection of specific practice statements showed that almost half of the student-
respondents did not show satisfactory ratings. Hence, of the total respondents, only 55% were shown to have
satisfactory general KAP on SWM.
Table 1. Average KAP Ratings of the Student-Respondents Regarding Solid Waste Management.
Measure Mean ±Std. deviation Assessment
Satisfactory (%) Needs improvement (%)
Average knowledge 87.84 ±16.8 73.4 26.6
Average attitude 87.04 ±11.5 71.0 29.0
Average practices 72.50 ±24.7 43.1 56.9
Average general KAP 82.46 ±12.8 55.0 45.0
3.3 KAP Associations
The univariate and interaction effects of average knowledge and attitude scores to the average practice score
of student-respondents on waste management and recycling were analysed using simple linear regression (Table
2). The univariate models suggested knowledge and attitude as significant predictor variables (P<0.005), and
contributed to the total variability of practice average score by as much as 8.5% and 4.8%, respectively.
Consequently, significant interaction was shown when these variables were entered simultaneously into the
linear regression model (P<0.005). Both knowledge and attitude were confirmed as unique predictors of practice,
and their interaction contributed to about 11% of the total variance of practice average score. The results indicate
the positive influence of increasing knowledge and attitude on the average practice score. Thus, compared to
students with lower average knowledge and attitude scores, those with higher knowledge and attitude averages
showed better average practice scores.
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Table 2. Association between the Average Knowledge and Attitude Ratings of Student-Respondents and their
Average Practice Rating.
Assessment Pearson’s R Adjusted R
2
B 95% CI for B P- value
Knowledge 0.292 0.085 34.903 30.007 – 39.799 <0.005
Attitude 0.219 0.048 31.459 24.266 – 38.652 <0.005
Knowledge*Attitude
Knowledge
Attitude
0.328 0.107 0.370
0.335
0.314 – 0.426
0.253 – 0.417
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
3.4 Link between KAP and Students’ Profile
The link between student-respondents’ profile and KAP outcome based on the average KAP scores was
explored in binary logistic regression (Table 3). The dichotomous-response of the average KAP scores (i.e.,
satisfactory or needs improvement) was utilized for this purpose. The potential explanatory variables including
sex, age, year level, civil status, parents’ educational attainment and employment status, household size, and
family income were entered into the logit model as categorical variables. The accuracy of the model was
improved from 55.0% to 62.3% and found to be highly significant (X
2
= 226.32, df = 20, P<0.005) when the
socio-demographic profiles were included. The logit model explained approximately 11% of the outcome’s
variation on the student-respondents’ KAP rating.
Significant overall effects were shown for variables under parents and family attributes; while, none among
the individual attributes examined was shown as unique predictor of the students’ KAP outcome. The variables
parents’ highest educational attainment and parents’ employment status had significant effects (P<0.005) on KAP
outcome. Compared to those from less-educated parents, students from parents who are moderately to highly
educated were 1.11 (P<0.005) to 2.14 (P=0.008) times more likely to have satisfactory KAP rating, respectively.
Similarly, students from parents having very stable employment status had increased likelihood of having
satisfactory KAP rating by 4.24 more (P<0.005) than those from parents with less stable employment status.
Having parents with moderately stable jobs did not, however, increase the probability of having satisfactory KAP
rating. These results indicate that the odds for students to have satisfactory KAP rating increases when both
parents have good educational background and hold permanent jobs.
Table 3. Association of Socio-Demographic Measures as Potential Predictors of the Respondents’ Dichotomous-
Outcome of their Average KAP Rating.
Profile B P-value Odds ratio 95% CI for OR
Sex
Male
Female
Age bracket
15-20 y.o.
21-25 y.o.
More than 26 y.o.
Year level
1
st
year
2
nd
year
3
rd
year
4
th
year
Civil status
Single
Couple
Parent’s education**
Least educated
Moderately educated**
Highly educated**
Parents’ employment**
Least stable
Moderately stable
Very stable**
Household size**
Small (1-4 members)
Medium (5-9 members)**
Large (>10 members)
Family income**
<5k Php
5k-10k Php**
>10k Php
-0.063
0.016
0.247
0.004
-0.049
-0.330
0.330
1.056
0.385
0.077
1.487
0.438
-0.006
-0.458
-0.139
0.454
0.464
0.878
0.216
0.963
0.970
0.667
0.773
0.104
<0.005
<0.005
0.008
<0.005
0.380
<0.005
<0.005
<0.005
0.983
<0.005
<0.005
0.249
1.000
0.939
1.000
1.016
1.280
1.000
1.004
0.952
0.962
1.000
0.104
1.000
2.874
1.469
1.000
1.081
4.424
1.000
1.549
0.994
1.000
0.632
0.870
0.795 – 1.108
0.828 – 1.247
0.866 – 1.892
0.809 – 1.246
0.762 – 1.190
0.739 – 1.252
0.935 – 2.069
2.142 – 3.854
1.105 – 1.953
0.909 – 1.285
3.208 – 6.101
1.306- - 1837
0.600 – 1.647
0.519 – 0.771
0.687 – 1.102
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Students coming from a medium-sized family were 55.0% (P<0.005) more likely to have satisfactory KAP
ratings than those from small families. However, belonging to a large family did not increase the odds of having
satisfactory KAP rating (P=0.983). Thus, satisfactory KAP was positively associated with students from
medium-sized families. Students from families with monthly income of 5000.00 to 10, 000.00 were shown to
be 37% less likely to have satisfactory KAP rating compared to students with family income of below 5, 000.00
(P<0.005) per month. Significant changes in the probability of having satisfactory KAP rating were not
demonstrated among students from families with monthly income of more than 10, 000.00 and those earning
below 5, 000.00 (P=0.249) per month. The results suggest that satisfactory KAP rating was negatively
associated with students coming from families having a monthly income of five to ten thousand pesos per month.
These findings indicate that the students’ KAP on waste management and recycling were somehow linked to
their social status. Satisfactory KAP rating appears to be associated with students from medium-sized families
having parents with good academic backgrounds and hold stable jobs that corresponds to a relatively steady
financial source.
3.5 Perceived Abundance of Common Solid Wastes
Student-respondents were also asked to rank the common wastes in their homes in terms of their relative
abundance. Plastic was perceived as the most abundant (MR=2.27) solid waste in the homes of the student-
respondents, followed by papers with a corresponding mean rank of 3.59. The mean rank difference was found to
be statistically significant (P<0.005). Meanwhile, cans (MR=4.90), glasses (MR=4.53), food scraps (MR=4.05),
and yard trimmings (MR=4.86) tied in rank 3. Cloth and other types of waste such as diaper and cigarette butts
ranked the least among the common solid waste in the homes of student-respondents (Table 4).
Table 4. Relative Ranking based on Perceived Abundance of Some Common Types of Solid Wastes in the
Homes of the Student-Respondents.
Garbage type Mean rank Ranking
Plastic 2.27
a
1
Papers 3.59
b
2
Food scraps 4.05
b
3
Glass 4.53
c
3
Yard trimmings 4.86
d
4
Cans 4.90
d
4
Cloth 5.51
e
5
Others 6.29
f
6
3.6 Preferred storage systems
Inquiry into some of common ways on how to store solid waste in the homes of student-respondents was
also covered in this study. Plastic bags were shown as the primary choice to stock solid wastes among the
majority of the student-respondents (57.9%), followed by closed trash bin (32.5%) and open trash bin (24.2%).
The remaining few respondents answered “pile in the yard” (4.8%) and “sack” (1.5%) as their choices for storing
solid wastes in their homes.
Table 5. Preferred Solid Waste Storage in the Homes of the Student-Respondents.
Waste storage 1
st
Choice 2
nd
Choice 3
rd
Choice Not a choice
Trash bin
Covered
Just open
32.5
24.2
0.0
2.1
0.0
0.0
67.5
73.7
Plastic bags 57.9 0.0 0.1 42.0
Pile in yard 4.8 0.0 0.0 95.2
Others (i.e., sack) 1.5 0.0 0.0 98.5
3.7 Disposal systems
Students were also asked to disclose the type of disposal systems they practice at home for some common
solid wastes. Majority of the student-respondents disclosed unselectively disposal of food scraps, yard
trimmings, and plastics with other the types of household wastes. Meanwhile, papers, glass, and metal wastes
were predominantly recycled/ reused or sold to junkshops.
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4. Discussion
The use of KAP survey is an emerging popular method to assess community psychology and practices related to
environmental issues. In this study, the KAP survey was implemented through a cross-sectional research design,
to capture the knowledge, attitude, and practices of college students, specifically on solid waste management and
recycling.
In general, the study found out that majority of undergraduate students from LSPU Los Baños Campus,
during the 2nd Semester, A.Y. 2015-16, had satisfactory knowledge and attitude; however, less than half had
satisfactory practice level on several items on material recycling and participation in environmental programs.
This suggests that most undergraduate students, at the time of the survey were somehow aware of the importance
as to proper solid wastes management and recycling and they also exhibit good attitude towards these matters;
however, relatively few students had exemplary practice level.
Abdullah and Tuna (2014) also surveyed students from secondary schools, universities, and colleges in
Nigeria. The study revealed unsatisfactory knowledge level on environmental issues among student-respondents,
but they showed good perception ratings. The students were at least, conscious but they could not “explain on
why” environmental problems continue to exist in their community (Abdullah and Tuna, 2014). Similarly,
Rahmaddin et al. (2015) studied the KAP regarding waste management in communities near Martaputra River
Bank in Indonesia. The community’s attitude was deemed highly satisfactory, also their knowledge; however, the
participants showed poor actions towards handling and management of river-dumped wastes by non-
participation. The gap between knowledge and practices on household wastes was also indicated in the study
done in Thrissur City in Kerala, India (Licy et al., 2013). Meanwhile, another study has explored the village KAP
on solid waste management in Sta. Rosa City in Laguna Province, the Philippines. Results showed high
awareness and favorable attitudes on waste-related issues and topics, among the surveyed members of the
communities. Interestingly, the respondents also engaged in favorable practices on waste segregation
(Tatlonghari and Jamias, 2010).
This study revealed that the students’ knowledge and attitude were positively correlated with their level of
practice. The tendency of the students to minimize the use of materials was highly associated with satisfactory
knowledge and attitude ratings. Reuse of solid wastes including plastic/ glass bottles, cans, and paper and
rainwater was also associated with satisfactory knowledge rating, but not with attitude; whereas, preference to
use rechargeable batteries over the disposable types was significantly related to satisfactory attitude ratings. High
positive correlations between knowledge and practice level were also reported by Tatlonghari and Jamias (2010).
Similar to the findings of this study, respondents with higher knowledge scores were more likely to exhibit good
practice on solid waste management. Similarly, a study involving adolescents showed that pro-environmental
attitude positively predicts pro-environmental behavior (Meinhold and Malkus, 2005). On the other hand,
somewhat contrasting findings were reported in an environmental-KAP survey that involved students from 16
higher learning institutions in Malaysia (Ahmad et al. (2015). It was found that both knowledge and attitude did
not necessarily lead to sustainable environmental practices. The study highlighted that complexity of the
relationships between students’ KAP towards sustainable environment (Ahmad et al., 2015). The same findings
were reported by Ifegbesan (2010) in a knowledge-practice level assessment done in Ogun State, Nigeria. It was
revealed that secondary school students from the sampled zones were relatively aware of waste problems in their
school compounds, but the same students possessed poor waste management practices (Ifegbesan, 2010).
The apparent break in the knowledge-attitude-practices continuum was also demonstrated in another
community survey done in Angles City, Pampanga, Philippines. It was shown that high knowledge and favorable
attitude toward the environmental issues did not necessarily result in favorable environmentally-sustainable
practices (Ortiz, 2001). Also, Tatlonghari and Jamias (2010) did not found relational evidence between attitude
and practice, despite their findings on the seeming connection between knowledge and practice levels.
This study also points-out the significant relationships between KAP level and certain socio-demographic
aspects of the student-respondents. Findings show that students coming from medium-sized families with parents
having good academic background and held stable jobs were more likely to exhibit satisfactory KAP ratings.
However, students from families with monthly income ranging from 5, 000.00 to 10, 000.00 were less likely
to have satisfactory KAP ratings as compared to the students from families with income below 5, 000.00 or
above ₱10, 000.00. No similar published findings was encountered to support this result; although, it can be
stated that most respondents with unsatisfactory KAP rating came from 5k-10k family-income range.
On the other hand, the individual attributes including sex, age, and civil status did not demonstrate any
significant statistical connection to the students’ KAP ratings. Similar results were also reported by Tatlonghari
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and Jamias (2010), whereby KAP level did not vary between male and female respondents. Nonetheless, one
study demonstrated that compared to men, women were more aware of the importance of good behavior towards
the environment (Mapa, 1997). This highlights the importance of gender-fair campaigns and other-related
programs relevant to addressing environmental issues and proposed conservation measures. Meanwhile, a weak
negative relationship was observed between age and knowledge level (Tatlonghari and Jamias, 2010). Thus,
younger respondents appeared to have better knowledge relative to the elderly as revealed in this study. The
same positive correlation results between age and the respondents’ knowledge and practice levels were obtained
by Adeolu et al. (2014) in a study conducted in Oyo State Nigeria.
Similar to the obtained waste management data of this study, Tatlonghari and Jamias (2010) also reported
selling or recycling as the usual practice for papers, bottles, plastic containers, and tin cans. As with this study,
Tartiu (2011) also noted that many households discard solid waste with other types of wastes.
Similarly, indiscriminate solid waste disposal methods like open dumping and open burning was reported in
Nigeria (Adeolu et al., 2014). According to Tartiu (2011), findings of community-based environmental KAP
surveys, such as this study, are essential to attain significant improvement in waste management systems through
recycling schemes or composting, as well on the development and proactive implementation of processes or
programs that could address the declining community awareness on environmental deterioration and the much-
needed conservation strategies.
5. Conclusion
Higher knowledge and attitude levels were shown to be inconsistent with the students’ practice level, which was
found relatively lower. Nonetheless, both knowledge and attitude ratings significantly explained the outcome for
practice rating. Thus, it appeared that higher knowledge and attitude level had positive effect on practice level. It
was also shown that satisfactory KAP rating is associated with students having parents with moderate academic
backgrounds and held permanent jobs, coming from a medium-sized family. Environmental education is
recommended, with emphasis on issues regarding solid waste management and recycling, should be included in
the basic curriculum or certain course works of college students, to expand their knowledge and attitude towards
improved practices on solid waste management. Relevant seminars and programs on environmental protection
and waste management should be organized by LSPU and the Municipality of Los Baños to encourage students
and the general public to becoming environmentallyresponsible citizens.
6. Acknowledgement
The authors would like to extend their sincere gratitude to J. Barlao, N.L. Dandan, C. Ruin, and J. Ignacio for
their assistance during the conduct of the survey.
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... It may emanate from informed decision-making in which knowledge of the potential participants induces favorable responses in terms of attitudes and practices eventually. As a matter of fact, literature has highlighted the importance of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) study in designing the strategies that shape proenvironmental [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] and marketing programs and studies [25][26][27][28]. Therefore, this study is focused on examining the KAP towards MSW SAS program among the households in Lao Cai city, Vietnam. ...
... These research works imply the importance of the information explaining the factors and circumstances brought about by the knowledge, attitude, and practices as basis for corrective actions, thereby lowering the chances of failure for a directed intervention [25]. This has been noted also in the KAP study in the Philippines where inconsistencies were recorded to become the basis for proper response action [20]. ...
... In addition, the household size is a demographic factor that is considered here as another enabler of MSW SAS practice. Significant practice results when large households enable cooperation for the practice of MSW SAS [20]. Moreover, presence of children in the household (less than 15 years old) can positively increase probability of waste separation practice. ...
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Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a challenging task due to waste that is not separated at the source. This study believes the importance of promoting MSW separation at the source (SAS). Numerous articles reveal the role of knowledge and attitude in motivating the households’ pro-environmental behavior. Thus, this study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning waste SAS program in Lao Cai city, Vietnam. The results showed that the households in the city of Vietnam had a positive knowledge and attitude towards MSW SAS. Despite it, the public has inadequate knowledge about some aspects of MSW SAS program. While the results from the ordinary least square regression model had strongly indicated the positive effect of attitude and knowledge toward MSW SAS program, this study still recommends for the enhancement of the information and education campaigns for the program with the help of potential role models in the city. In addition, this article also investigated the relationship between households’ KAP and the perception of households about the new waste collection and treatment fee option under Vietnam’s Law on Environmental Protection 2020, which needs special attention and strategies to gain support among the city’s populace.
... This study showed that majority of the respondents 76.0% has good knowledge on land pollution in relation to health hazard in the market; this may be because of the already acquired information gotten from parents, friends and social media. This finding is similar the results from Kabito G, et al. [5] which reported 63.5% of respondents with good knowledge, Laor P, et al. [6] which reported 73% respondents with high level of knowledge, 87.8% with good knowledge [7] 79% with good knowledge [8] and 54% of respondents with good knowledge [9]. ...
... On attitude towards land pollution, it was observed that 63.4% of the respondents have positive attitudes towards land pollution; this may be because of the negative health conditions that might have affected them in the past. This finding is similar to that observed by Barlao EP, et al. [7] which reported good attitude of 87.0% and Almasi A, et al. [8] which reported 86% of respondents having good attitude. However, the findings are in contrast to that of Kabito G, et al. [5] which reported 43.4% with good attitude, Laor P, et al. [6] which observed 13% of respondents with positive attitude and Ekoro BO, et al. [9] which observed 45% with acceptable attitude. ...
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Land is one of the major receipt of wastes (solid, liquid and air emission) generated from human activities. Land pollution is a serious environmental problem with far-reaching effects on sustainable development, ecological balance, and human health. Understanding the knowledge and attitude of traders can provide necessary solution and intervention. The aim of this study was to assess traders' knowledge and attitude towards land pollution in Igbona Market, Osogbo Nigeria. Face-to-face interviews and observations were conducted among a sample of 317 traders. A questionnaire consisting of closed ended questions was used to collect data. The results of the study showed high level of knowledge among the traders regarding land pollution and its impacts. Few of the traders experienced health problems related to land pollution also few of them have ever experienced any health problem believed may be related to land pollution. The trader's attitude towards land pollution was largely positive with the idea of sewage and wastewater be properly controlled. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the knowledge and attitudes of traders in Igbona Market towards land pollution, and show the need for sustained education and awareness-raising activities to further encourage preventive measures for land pollution in the market.
... The 3R pattern consists of reduce, reuse, and recycle (Susanti et al., 2021). The 3R concept encourages the community to handle waste from the source, such as sorting waste and packaging waste properly, encouraging the application of waste utilization that has economic value, starting from scavengers to the waste recycling industry (Barloa et al., 2016;Simbolon et al., 2022;Barma et al., 2022). Andina (2019) stated UU no. ...
... Instilling environmental care values can be done from an early age, so that it is reflected in the behavior of disposing of waste in its proper place and sorting waste by type (Barloa et al., 2016;Simbolon et al., 2022;Barma et al., 2022;Siskayanti et al., 2022). Introducing the types of waste from an early age by disposing of waste according to its type is a simple habit that will have a significant impact on the environment (Siskayanti et al., 2022;Raharjo et al., 2020), and this attitude is crucial to be formed as a good habit for future generations. ...
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Children's behavior can be changed by building awareness to keep the environment clean and healthy. To determine the level of knowledge and understanding of elementary school students regarding waste management in the final disposal site (FDS) area, it is necessary to conduct this research with the aim of determining the level of knowledge and understanding of elementary school students regarding waste management in the FDS area. This research uses a quantitative descriptive approach with a survey method. The population of this study was 75 students of class V SDN 30 Aie Dingin. The sampling technique used is total sampling. Data collection uses valid and reliable test instruments. Data were analyzed by descriptive quantitative. Based on the research results, it was obtained that elementary school students' knowledge and understanding of waste management in the Aie Dingin area of Balai Gadang, Koto Tangah District, was in the medium category with a value of 46%, where the level of student knowledge about waste was 66% and the level of understanding of waste management was 54%. It can be said that the knowledge and understanding of fifth grade elementary school students regarding waste management is still low
... An article on problems of handling waste in line with new regulations in California indicated that funding, technical know-how and compatibility with cafeteria regulations were some of the major problems facing school districts [27]. Barloa, Lapie and De la Cruz [28] in a study based in the Philippines found out that although students were aware and had good knowledge about waste management, they however did not put their knowledge to practice. ...
... Despite the slightly lower mean score of 3.30, the respondents still engage in sustainable waste management by repurposing household waste, especially items like paper, glass, and metal, which are commonly recycled or handed over to recycling centers (Barloa et al., 2016). As future educators, the respondents bear the potential to be influential figures in promoting waste management. ...
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The significance of schools and educators in fostering environmental awareness cannot be overstated. This descriptive correlational study aims to evaluate the level of awareness of environmental laws and the adoption of green household practices among pre-service teachers at a state university in the Philippines. By utilizing a modified research questionnaire and appropriate statistical analyses, the study reveals that respondents possess awareness of the environmental laws in place in the Philippines. When it comes to green household practices, respondents practiced waste management and demonstrate a high practice of resource management. Upon correlating these two variables, a significant relationship emerges, underscoring the influence of pre-service teachers' environmental law awareness on their adoption of green household practices. To further enhance environmental awareness and promote sustainable living, the study recommends the implementation of seminars or webinars that focus on imparting knowledge about green household practices and their role in fostering sustainability.
... Therefore, it is common to see students having high environmental awareness in terms of knowledge, but lag in terms of practice [12]. Thus, the integration of environmental issues and awareness in the curriculum to improve the attitude of the students towards environmentally sustainable practices was highly recommended [13,14,15,16]. Westrum stressed the inclusion of real-life local problems can stir students' interest, participation, and commitment [17]. ...
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Nutrient cycle, a concept that highlights the path that nutrients follow as they travel from the soil to the plant and other organisms, is an important concept for students to understand since it connects human actions to their effects on the environment. Understanding how the nutrient cycle works, especially in the context of lake water, is crucial in managing ecosystems effectively and mitigating the impacts of pollution, especially when it is because of anthropogenic causes. Therefore, there is a need to integrate environmental education into class lessons so that society can fully grasp the relationship between science and society. This study surveyed a total of 110 students from three different schools using simple random sampling. These schools near Laguna Lake of Los Baños, Laguna were randomly selected. Schools near the lake were targeted because they were relatively familiar with the topic. The survey assessed environmental awareness in three categories: knowledge, attitude, and practice, validated through Cronbach’s Alpha test. From the data collected the respondents were found to have low awareness in terms of knowledge (44.6%), high awareness in terms of attitude (83.6%), and a moderately low awareness in terms of practice (67.6%). This suggests a need to enhance student understanding of environmental concepts and issues to improve their practices. Thus, motivating them in adopting sustainable practices. Overall, the results from this study support the premise that there is a need to create teaching materials and activities to improve the practices of the students.
... According to the study of Barloa, Lapie and De la Cruz (2016), higher level knowledge has a positive impact on the practices of the people regarding waste management. Their study revealed that people must have an environmental education to develop their waste management knowledge, leading them to attain environmentally responsible behavior. ...
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Background Improper disposal of used polythene bags waste remains a significant public health challenge worldwide. In Uganda, 53% of solid wastes are generated in urban areas, especially in households. Lira City passed a solid waste management ordinance 2019 to support solid waste management including polythene bags, and use of enforcement among others but the implementation of the interventional measures remains a challenge since Polythene bags are used as daily shopping bags, and also for packaging food. This study therefore assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices of residents of Lira City on the disposal of used polythene bags. Methods A cross-sectional study survey was employed. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected among 421 randomly selected residents of Lira City. Data was collected using structured Questionnaires and key interview guides through face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data analysis was done using STATA Version 17, summarized as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Pearson Chi-square test was run for bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis using logistic regression p-value of 0.05 to obtain significant variables associated with the outcome variable. Qualitative data analysis was manually done using the Braun & Clerke 2016, 6 steps. Results Overall, the rate was 99.8%. Disposal practices of respondents were improper at 52.5%, a good number of the respondents 42.5% were aged 18 to 28 years, female 64.9%, and 34.9% attained a primary level of education. Most of them were self-employed 41.1%, married 61.3%, and Catholic 35.2%. The majority 78.9% had good knowledge of proper disposal of used polythene bags. Significant factors associated with used polythene bags disposal among residents in Lira City were age [AOR = 3.007; 95% CI; 1.074–8.417], Sex [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI; 0.82–1.97], Reduced Injuries [AOR = 1.2; 95% CI; 0.38–4.15], Drainage blockage [AOR = 3.04; 95% CI; 2.00-4.63], and Human Health Problems [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI; 1.15–2.73]. Conclusion knowledge of disposal of used polythene bags was good; disposal practices were poor at 52.5%. KII reported a knowledge gap in managing used polythene bags which has become a major challenge in Lira city. “The waste management practices of the people in the peri-urban areas of the city are very poor and it’s even worse with used polythene bags. Therefore, need for awareness creation on general waste management with emphasis on the disposal of used polythene bags” KI-1 said.
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In Malaysia, the government is currently spending up to 40-70% of taxpayer's money annually for solid waste management. Less than 5% of all waste is being recycled, whereas up to 70% can actually be recycled or re used in some way. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, awareness status and behaviour concerning SWM among first year students (n=589) using questionnaire survey. Results showed, the students’ knowledge, attitudes, awareness status and behaviour concerning SWM were moderate. So attempt to encourage, through education and awareness on managing solid waste in the campus and programs to promote attitude change and sustainable environmental practices must be carry out.
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