Awareness Study about the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Plastic Usage and its Ban Among the Rural Population of Kancheepuram District of Tamilnadu, India. of Kancheepuram DistrictOf Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

Introduction: Plastic is widely used in health care, automotive, food processing, packaging, construction and electronics industry. Single Use Plastics (SUP are preferred materials in every household as it is economical and highly durable. The effects of plastic on humans as well as environment suggest the fact about the direct as well as indirect ill effects of plastic pollution. The materials used in plastic industry for increasing the quality of plastic like BPA (Bisphenol A), Phthalates etc can interfere with reproductive life, growth and development of children. Awareness regarding the ill effects of plastic pollution is limited, especially among the rural population. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational analysis of questionnaire-based survey was carried out among the rural population residing in Kancheepuram district, Tamilnadu, India to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding plastic usage and its ban. Results- The knowledge level was assessed based on their score, classified as high (31.1%), moderate (65.7%) and low (3.2%). The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 7.40+ 2.0. The respondents (96 %) were aware about plastic as an environmental hazard. The mean attitude score was 4.57+27, with only 39% of the respondents displayed good attitude towards methods related to reducing plastic pollution. The study group population was using plastic regularly (74.9%) because of its ready availability (37.1%). About 89.6% of the respondents were practicing plastic ban since it was introduced. Only 22.7% of the study population was resorting to alternatives. We found no association between knowledge level and the various parameters like age, Gender, marital status, education and occupation (P≥0.05) by Fischer Exact test Conclusion-Our observation on awareness level of study group reveals moderate level of knowledge, fair attitude and unsatisfactory practices. The rural residents are aware about the plastic ban and were effectively practicing it. The negative impact of plastic pollution on environment and health can be overcome by adopting strategies that help to curb the menace of plastic pollution