Knowledge Assessment on Hazards of Plastic Use among Residents of Selected Urban Community of Pune City

Abstract

Introduction: Plastic products have become integral part of our daily lives. Due to which the production of
Plastic have gone up worldwide. Plastic consumption in India increased from 61 thousand tons in 1996 to
1.78 million tons in 2017, which is a huge increase. Objective of the study is to assess the knowledge about
hazards of Plastic use among selected areas of Pune city. Methods: Non experimental descriptive survey
research design for the study. Sample comprised of 400 residents of selected urban community of Pune
city. Non probability convenience sampling technique was used for the study. A self-administered structured
knowledge questionnaire on hazards of Plastic use was used. The tool is divided in two sections. Section I
is dealt with demographic proforma of the sample. Section II was self-administered structured knowledge
questionnaire comprised of thirty questions (Multiple choice questions) in four domains on knowledge
of hazards of plastic use, after permission from the concerned authority and informed consent from each
sample, the investigator has administered the tool. Result: Majority of respondents have average knowledge
(46.75%) and 3.5% respondents had poor knowledge on hazards of Plastic use. Conclusion: The present
study revealed the residents had considerable average knowledge regarding hazards of plastic use. The
enhancement in knowledge is greatly required on all aspects of hazards of plastic use.