Knowledge and Practice Regarding E-Waste Management Among Adults in Selected Wards of Nellanadu Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram District: A Cross-Sectional Study

Asha E.K

Abstract: Background: Electronic waste (e-waste) is an emerging environmental and public health concern associated with the increasing use and rapid replacement of electrical and electronic devices. Unscientific disposal and handling of e-waste may contribute to environmental contamination and human exposure to hazardous substances. Community knowledge and disposal practices are important determinants of safe e-waste management. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding e-waste management among adults, identify their practices related to e-waste management, determine the relationship between knowledge and practice, and develop and distribute an informational pamphlet on e-waste management. Methods: A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted. The study was conducted among 250 adults aged 18-60 years residing in selected wards of Nellanadu Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram District. Participants were selected using a non-probability sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a self-reported practice checklist. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and Spearman's rank correlation was used to determine the relationship between knowledge and practice scores. Results: Among the 250 participants, 65% were females. The largest proportion of participants (28.4%) belonged to the 51-60-year age group. Sixty-three percent reported having previous knowledge regarding e-waste management, with social media being the most commonly reported source of information. Regarding knowledge level, 62% had good knowledge, 36% had average knowledge, and 2% had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 8.82 ± 2.20. Regarding practice, 44.4% demonstrated good practice, 31.6% very good practice, 18.8% satisfactory practice, and 5.2% required improvement. The mean practice score was 10.82 ± 2.44. Spearman's rank correlation demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between knowledge and practice (ρ = 0.442, p

Keywords: E-waste, electronic waste, knowledge, practice, waste management, adults, community health, cross-sectional study

How to Cite?: Asha E.K, "Knowledge and Practice Regarding E-Waste Management Among Adults in Selected Wards of Nellanadu Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram District: A Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1339-1341, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26921141337, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26921141337

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