Level of Knowledge and Attitude Regarding the Environmental Impact of Plastic Consumption Amongst the General Population in Ajman, United Arab Emirates
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160920255257Keywords:
Plastics, Plastic pollution, Environmental health, Awareness, AttitudeAbstract
Background: As plastics are now an essential part of daily life, their manufacturing has increased dramatically and is still growing. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge and attitude towards plastic consumption and to determine the factors related to it amongst the general population in Ajman, UAE.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated self-administered questionnaire amongst 367 adults in Ajman, UAE. Ethical approval obtained from the IRB and informed consent was obtained from the participants before collecting the data. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 28. Chi-square test and binomial logistic regression analysis were used for assessing the association and factors.
Results: Approximately half (49.9%) of participants demonstrated adequate knowledge about plastic pollution, while 50.1% had inadequate knowledge. Attitudes were nearly evenly split, with 50.1% showing a positive attitude and 49.9% a negative attitude toward plastic consumption. Males were 2.219 times more likely to have inadequate knowledge compared to females (O.R. = 2.219, p = 0.001).
Conclusion: The public was not biased toward high awareness or strongly negative opinions regarding plastic consumption; rather, their knowledge and attitudes were evenly distributed. A negative attitude was described as a preference for convenience and a lack of concern for the environmental impact of plastic, whereas a positive attitude was defined as pro-environmental activity, such as recycling and support for plastic alternatives. Local governments can help increase awareness through a variety of programs and campaigns and through the use of interactive programs and some informational tools like social media may also be effective.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Hisham A Musthafa, Khadeeja Mahjoor, Julia Q Bilalaga, Jeromy A Mackay, Anusha Sreejith
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