A Preliminary Survey on Knowledge and Attitudes of University Students Regarding Microplastic Pollution and Its Impact on the Environment
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.5.24
- Author:
Alia Azmi
1
;
Sarah Iman Abdul Rani
1
;
Siti Norashikin Mohamad Shaifuddin
1
;
Shantakumari Rajan
1
;
Mohd Izwan Masngut
1
;
Megat Azman Megat Mokhtar
1
;
Nadiatul Syima Mohd Shahid
2
;
Eleena Norsin
3
;
Siti Baizura Mohd. Rafi
3
Author Information
1. Centre for Environmental Health and Safety Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
2. Department of Environmental Health, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Bertam Campus, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
3. TT Organics, Kuarters Pertanian, Pusat Pertanian Serting, 72200, Batu Kikir,Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Attitudes, knowledge, microplastic pollution, university students
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.5):168-174
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Daily use and improper management of plastic materials by the public contributes to the occurrence
of microplastic pollution. It can be acknowledged that knowledge and attitudes are one of the keys to reducing the
release of microplastic into the environment. Therefore, enhancing student’s understanding may play an important
role in effective solution innovation and readiness to take specific actions for environmental protection. Method: This
cross-sectional study was conducted among university students using an online questionnaire to assess their knowledge and attitudes about microplastic pollution. For data analysis, Pearson’s Chi-square was conducted using SPSS
version 26. Results: Findings revealed that students have moderate knowledge (4.66) and attitudes (5.42) towards
microplastic pollution. However, neither age, gender, CGPA, nor the course in which they studied had any significant association with their level of knowledge and attitudes (p>0.05). In fact, the level of knowledge and attitude
reported by respondents indicate that it is necessary to address this deficiency by providing education through structured education and mass media, along with vigorous policy enforcement and replacement of conventional plastics.
Conclusion: Education on microplastics among the younger generation is key to curbing the problem of microplastic
pollution. As future consumers, the demand for alternative products that does not contribute to microplastic can help
encourage brands and markets to come up with better solution that is critical to prevent this problem from worsening.
- Full text:11.2023my1626.pdf
