Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Household Solid Waste Management among Semi-Urban Residents-A Community based Cross Sectional Study from Southern Part of Coastal Karnataka, India

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices towards household solid waste management and the perceived barriers for its proper disposal among residents of a semi-urban area. Method: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among semi-urban residents of field practice area of a Medical College in Karnataka, India. A total of 441 households were included in to the study. A face-to- face interview was conducted using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices among the residents towards management of household solid waste. Data was entered using Epi info mobile app and was analyzed using Easy R(EZR) software. Results: The overall knowledge (60.3%), attitude (61.5%) and practices (72.8%) towards solid waste among the participants was near satisfactory. More than 90% were aware about the effects of inappropriate management of waste on health and environment. It was identified that having a better education and holding a skilled and professional jobs were the independent predictors of knowledge and attitude. Conclusion: The gaining momentum among public towards management of solid waste can be further strengthened by taking in to account the identified predictors like education and occupation of the residents.