A Quasi-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of an Information Booklet on Knowledge and Expressed Practices Regarding Health Hazards of Plastic Uses and Its Disposal Among Women in Selected Rural Areas of Shimla (H.P.)

Ranjana Azad, Prabhat Kiran

Abstract: Background: Rapid modernization and population growth have led to an exponential increase in plastic consumption, presenting severe environmental and public health challenges- particularly in rural areas with limited waste infrastructure. Women, as primary domestic managers, play a crucial role in handling household plastics. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an Information Booklet on knowledge and expressed practices regarding the health hazards of plastic use and disposal among rural women in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Methodology: A quantitative approach with a non-randomized two-group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental design was conducted among 100 rural women (50 experimental, 50 control) selected via convenience sampling from Bharara and Kiaritoo villages in Shimla. Data were collected using a self-structured knowledge questionnaire (30 items) and a 3-point Likert scale (20 items) for expressed practices. The experimental group received an Information Booklet intervention, followed by a post-test after 7 days. Results: At pre-test, 98% of the experimental group and 96% of the control group had poor knowledge. Post-intervention, 68% of the experimental group achieved good knowledge and 32% achieved moderate knowledge, whereas 98% of the control group remained at a poor level. The mean knowledge score in the experimental group increased significantly from 9.92 \pm 2.55 to 24.96 \pm 3.73 (t = 23.709, p

Keywords: Information Booklet, Plastic Disposal, Health Hazards, Knowledge, Expressed Practices, Rural Women, Community Health Nursing

How to Cite?: Ranjana Azad, Prabhat Kiran, "A Quasi-Experimental Study to Assess the Effectiveness of an Information Booklet on Knowledge and Expressed Practices Regarding Health Hazards of Plastic Uses and Its Disposal Among Women in Selected Rural Areas of Shimla (H.P.)", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 457-458, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26907231617, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26907231617

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