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

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 (r²=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