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RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCESKARNATAKA, BANGALORE

ANNEXURE – I

PROFORMA FOR REGISTRATION OF SUBJECTS FOR DISSERTATION

1. Name of the candidate and address (in block letters)

MISS CHAITHRA NAYAKK. PANDYARAJAH BALLAL NURSINGINSTITUTE, COLLEGE OF NURSINGSOMESHWARA ROAD, ULLALMANGALORE−575 020.

2. Name of the Institution K. PANDYARAJAH BALLAL NURSINGINSTITUTE, COLLEGE OF NURSINGULLALMANGALORE

3. Course of Study and Subject M. Sc. NURSING MENTAL HEALTH NURSING

4. Date of Admission to the Course 25.07.2011

5. Title of the study

KNOWLEDGE AND HABITS REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF

PLASTIC WASTE AMONG HOMEMAKERS

6. Brief resume of the intended work

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Introduction

“Let every individual and institutions now think and act as a responsible trustee of

earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable

future, eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and foster

peaceful progress in the human adventure.” Say John McConnell, founder of International

earth day1.

Plastics are used on a daily basis throughout the world. The “plastic” is a common

word that is used for many materials that are synthetic and semi-synthetic in nature. The

term “plastic” is derived from a Greek word “plastikos” which means “fit for moulding”.

Plastic bags are light, sturdy and easy to carry. They are cheaper than paper. From the mid

1980s, the use of plastic bags became common for carrying daily groceries from the store to

vehicles and homes2.

Plastic is not biodegradable. When buried plastic will choke the drainage and when

burnt plastics will emit poisonous gases. To produce plastic one has to use the petroleum

products. Plastic production and processing require the use of toxic chemicals. Many

manufacturing plants that produce these chemicals also produce hazardous waste and pollute

the air. Five of the top six chemicals commonly used by the plastic industry are propylene,

phenol, ethylene, polystyrene, and benzene. Inhalation and ingestion of these chemicals can

cause serious occupational hazards among people3. Plastic waste is recycled in India in an

“unorganized” way. 60% of the plastic-waste collected and segregated gets recycled back

into materials for further processing into consumer products, while the balance is left

unutilized. Regulations and legislations are being enforced in some States of India, but it is

not found in the majority of the states of India. Moreover, we have not come to a stage

where we can tackle issues related to plastic production, use and its disposal4.

6.1 Need for the study

The cost, accessibility and availability of plastic bags has made us to use these

products in large quantity and many of us in spite of knowing the amount of harm that it

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produces to the environment, we are not in a state of giving away the plastic simply because

it has become a part and parcel of our daily life. Hence, we need to get motivated to adopt

right measures to dispose, use and reuse such products.

The environmental hazards due to mismanagement of plastic waste include the

following aspects:

A littered plastic spoil the beauty of the city and chokes the drains and makes

important public places filthy.

Garbage containing plastics, when burnt may cause air pollution by emitting polluted

gases.

Garbage mixed with plastics interferes in waste processing system and may also

cause problems in landfill operations.

Recycling industries operating in non-conforming areas pose unhygienic problems to

the environment5.

Plastic bags cause over 1,00,000 sea turtle and other marine animal deaths every year

when animals mistake them for food6.

A study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of

India, had revealed that 60% of the plastic waste collected and segregated gets recycled,

while 40% is left unutilized4. This imposes a large threat to human and aqua life.

A prospective study was conducted by UWEP (Urban Waste Expertise Programme)

for a period between 1995 and 2001 to analyse knowledge and practices followed by small

scale plastic recovery and recycling units in Bangalore, India. In 1995, the study estimated

per capita demand of plastics in India is 0.800 Kgs. The projected demand went up and it

was 2.16 Kgs per capita in 2000 A.D. Plastic consumption in India was 0.85 million tonnes

during 1990-91 which doubled in 1995-96 that was 1.79 million tones. Demand for

commodity plastics is growing at the rate of 15 % per year. As per the survey conducted by

the All India Plastic Manufacturers Association, the total demand for PE (polyethylene),

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and PP (polystyrene) was 1.55 million MT in 1995 which has

increased to 1.8-1.9 million MT in 1996-97. It is also estimated that at a macro level 50 % of

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the quantity of virgin raw material consumed reaches municipal waste stream annually.

Although on weight basis the level of plastics waste in municipal waste stream is only 3 %

to 4 %, they occupy 25 to 30% of the volume7. The investigator concluded saying that

recycled products exposed greater number of people to hazards of plastics. Hence, we need

to adopt scientific waste management system to recycle waste.

The impact of plastic bags on the environment can be devastating. Fortunately, some

governments around the world are taking the initiative to deal with the environmental impact

of plastic bags by either banning plastic bags or discouraging their usage. In India, all states

should ban using of plastic bags or must encourage only use of biodegradable plastics. There

should be scientific waste management system to recycle waste. All state pollution control

boards should be strengthened3. The law should be strictly implemented by authorities.

People should be made aware to utilize and dispose waste appropriately.

At the time of investigator’s informal meeting with panchayath board development

officer, Mr. Vishwanath B of Ullal area has also revealed the need for educating the Ullal

public on proper use and disposal of waste. He has also urged the community department of

our college to include this topic as one of our health teaching programme for the coming

years. The investigator has witnessed and observed malpractices in use and disposal of

plastic products. It is a common practice by many of us to litter the plastic all around. Hence,

it has motivated the investigator to assess the knowledge and habits of homemakers on

management of plastic waste.

6.2 Review of literature

This will be divided into three different categories. 1. Knowledge on plastic waste

management, 2. Habits on management of plastic waste. 3. Generation of plastic waste in

various households and cities.

Knowledge on plastic waste management:

A study conducted by 2nd year MSc nursing students of 2008 batch of KPBNI, CON

(K Pandyarajah Ballal Nursing Institute, College of Nursing) Ullal, to assess the knowledge

of nursing personnel on plastic waste management by using a structured knowledge

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questionnaire. The study revealed that among 100 subjects, 64% of subjects had poor

knowledge, 36% had average knowledge and none of the subjects had good or excellent

knowledge on plastic waste. Based on these assessments, the students gave health teaching

using A.V. aids and post test revealed 18% of subjects with excellent knowledge and 34%

with good knowledge. The investigators then concluded saying that continuing nursing

education on plastic waste management was effective in improving the knowledge of

subjects on waste management8.

A descriptive survey was conducted at 62 Zehrs shopping centre at Ontario with the

intention of assessing knowledge of people of all age groups regarding reuse of plastic bags.

Data was collected by using interview technique. It is found that 83% of respondents

frequently shops at Zehrs, 82% of respondents said that plastic grocery bags have a negative

impact on the environment and 94% think that use of plastic bag should be reduced in

grocery shops. It is evident that majority of people’s knowledge was in line with the desired

behaviour of using reusable bags; they believe that the behaviour of using plastic bags is

harmful to the environment and unsustainable. Hence, efforts should be made to decrease or

eliminate this behaviour. 31% use reusable bags only for grocery shopping and 63% use

them for other purpose as well. 10% rarely bring reusable bags and 2% never bring them for

shopping. The investigator further said that the reuse of the bag has not become a permanent

habit. Hence, the need to build up strategies to encourage the public for using reusable bags9.

Habits on management of plastic waste

A house hold survey was conducted to assess the quantity and composition of

household solid waste as well as household habits and behaviours of plastic waste discharge.

The data was collected from 130 households using interview technique. The average

household solid waste generation rate was 281.27 g/cap/day. The compostable and

recyclable shared 80.74% and 11% respectively. Regarding plastic waste, the average plastic

waste generation rate was 17.4 g/cap/day, plastic packaging and plastic containers

dominated with the high percentage (95.64) of plastic waste. Plastic shopping bags were

especially identified as the major component accounting for 45.72% of total plastic waste.

Relevant factors such as household income and household size were found to have an

existing correlation to plastic waste generation .The household habits and behaviours of

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plastic waste discharge indicated inappropriate practices and unhygienic disposal methods1o.

The study indicates the need to adopt right disposal and recycling techniques to avoid health

hazards.

Environmental protection council of Australia wanted to ban single use of plastic

bags by the end of 2008. They conducted campaign on the use of reusable bags for shopping

since 2005 and through descriptive survey approach they assessed the existing habits of

people related to plastic bags. Structured interview technique was used to gather data from

580 participants. 18% of adult participants said that they used their reusable bags all the

time, 3% of the school children knew that their parents always used reusable bags, 80% of

respondents owned reusable bags. Investigator also asked the respondents why they may not

use reusable bags all the time. 64% said that it was not convenient to carry the bags all the

time because they did not fit easily in to the pockets or hand bags. Younger people and men

said that the best way to get them to change their own habit was to take the plastic bags

away. 25% of the people said that they simply forget to carry the reusable bags with them,

and they said stickers on the car window would be more useful as reminders to take their

own bags as they left the house. The investigator thus said that people have adequate

knowledge on effect of plastic, yet, they need stimulation and reinforcement to cultivate the

habit of carrying their own bags for shopping11.

A correlative study was conducted by Duluth Entertainment Convention Centre at

Minnesota to examine the relationship between subjects’ attitude and self reported habits in

respect to littering. People of all ages and all type of social backgrounds litter although there

are some variations. Men and women are equally likely to litter, people under the age of 15

are least likely to litter, people under the age of 25 are likely to litter when in a group, people

over the age of 25 are mostly likely to litter when alone. People aged 15- 24 have a slightly

higher than the average rate of littering than other adults. Littering is influenced by social

context, so for e.g. people may litter in some circumstances e.g. when unobserved, but not in

public. The investigator thus said that littering is the most common and an extremely

important environment issue and there is a need to integrate number of approaches to reduce

the litter12.

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A descriptive study was conducted to determine the waste plastic recycling habits

and management of waste in Ontario. The study revealed that the Plastics represent 7-8% of

the residential waste stream. Plastic packaging represents 81% of total plastics found in the

residential waste stream; plastic bottles represent 31% of total plastics, non-recyclable (NR)

film at 29%, recyclable film at 19%, polystyrene at 10%, wide mouth tubes at 6%, other

rigid plastics 5%. The study also revealed that polyethylene and high density polythene

bottles are collected from 91% of Ontario household with recycling device. Other plastic

such as wide mouth tube, recycle film and polystyrene are collected from 1/3rd (1.1 to 1.3

million) of household through recycling program. Hence, the investigator concluded that the

plastics from municipal commercial and industrial source are managed by recycling program

in Ontario13.

Generation of plastic waste in various households and cities

Event partition research study was conducted by Kenya National Cleaner Production

Centre to estimate household solid waste generation in Nairobi. The study conducted in the

year 2004 had revealed that over 3 million inhabitants who generate a combined total of over

2,400 tons per day of solid wastes, out of which 20% comprises of plastics. A study

conducted by JICA (Japan International cooperation Agency) estimated that about 1,450

tons of Municipal Solid Waste was generated daily in Nairobi in the late 1990s. The study

put the MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) per capita generation is 0.67 kg/day, which translates

to about 245 kg per person per year. A recent study conducted by ITDG (intermediate

technology development group), in the year 2004 puts the daily solid MSW generation at a

relatively higher value of 2,400 tones. The study estimates a per capita solid waste

generation of about 253 kg per person per year. City Council of Nairobi estimates daily

waste generation in Nairobi is 1,600 to 2,400 tons, which supports the findings of JICA

study. Hence, the investigator concluded saying the amount of waste generation in Nairobi

has been increased to a reasonable level with increase in population and as per growth of

industries. The study thus concluded saying strategies to be planned and adopted in Nairobi

for proper disposal of waste14.

A study was conducted in UK to review the supplies of plastic waste for recycling,

global market demand, future trends and associated risk. The quantity of plastics entering the

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market and being collected for recycling in each of the sectors was studied and analyzed. In

2010, out of total plastic waste only 25% of waste from the agricultural sector was recycled

and electronic waste was around 20 to 50%. Hence, the investigator suggested developing an

effective technology for separation of plastic and electronic waste from mixed main stream

wastes.15.

A comparative study was conducted in Dhaka city to determine the amount of solid

waste generated, in 2005. The data was compared with previous available data of 1992

survey which indicates yearly increase in waste generation is around 10.43% annually. This

signifies the generation of plastic has increased in par with growth and economy of the

country. This trend in the growth of plastic waste is expected to continue in the near future.

This study also reveals that per capita plastic consumption in Dhaka city is 9 kg/year while

the national average stands at 3.6 kg/cap/year. Hence, the investigators urged the

government to take prompt action to reduce the plastic waste generation16.

6.3 Statement of the problem

“A descriptive study on knowledge and habits regarding management of plastic

waste among homemakers of a selected urban area at Mangalore.”

6.4 Objectives of the study

To assess the level of knowledge of homemakers on management of plastic waste

To determine the habits of homemakers on management of plastic waste

To analyze the relationship between knowledge score and habits of homemakers on

management of plastic waste

To find the association between knowledge score of homemakers on management of

plastic waste and selected demographic variables

To find the association between habit score of homemakers on management of

plastic waste and selected demographic variables

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6.5 Operational definitions

Knowledge: In this study knowledge refers to awareness of homemakers regarding

management of plastic waste that includes type of plastic waste generated in

household, problems related to inefficient management of plastic waste, factors

influencing and impending the management of plastic waste, measures to be adopted

in management of wastes such as landfill method, dumping, reduce, reuse, recycling

methods, legal provision for management of plastic waste.

Habits: In this study habits are routines of behaviour that are repeated regularly in

use and disposal of plastics and tend to occur without much thoughts which has

positive or negative impact on the environment. It includes segregation, reuse,

disposing, storing, carrying own bags for shopping, using alternative eco friendly

materials, using 18 gauge and above plastic bags, utilizing used plastic to make

household decorative items. This is determined by four pointer scale.

Plastic waste: In this study plastic waste refers to waste that is produced by plastic

materials such as bottles, plates, tubes, boxes, films, buckets, bags etc.

Homemaker: In this study it refers to a female who is married, housewife or

housewife cum working lady and leading nuclear, joint, extended family life or

single mother living with their children.

Urban area: In this study it refers to the area under Ullal Primary Health Centre

which is under the administration of Municipal Corporation.

6.6 Assumptions

The study assumes that:

Homemaker will have some knowledge regarding management of plastic waste.

Knowledge encourages to fostering desirable habits.

Homemaker plays a chief role in determining household management of waste17.

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6.7 Delimitations

The study is delimited to

Only the urban area of Ullal PHC.

Data is gathered only from homemakers.

Data is gathered only through structured interview technique.

Women those who can conversant in English or Kannada.

Habits elicited only by frank responses given by the woman.

6.8 Hypotheses

All hypotheses will be tested at 0.05 level of significant.

H1: There will be significant relationship between knowledge score and score on habits

of homemakers on management of plastic waste.

H2: There will be significant association between knowledge score of homemakers on

management of plastic waste and selected demographic variables.

H3: There will be significant association between habits score of homemakers on

management of plastic waste and selected demographic variables.

7. Material and methods

7.1 Source of data

Data will be collected from homemakers who are residing in urban area.

7.1.1 Research design

Research design adopted for this study is descriptive research design.

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7.1.2 Setting

The study will be conducted at the selected urban area under Ullal Primary Health

Centre.

7.1.3 Population

In this study the population belongs to all homemakers who are residing in the

selected urban area under Ullal PHC, Mangalore.

7.2 Method of data collection

7.2.1 Sampling procedure

Probability, Simple Random Sampling Technique.

7.2.2 Sample size

The sample size consists of 100 homemakers living in the selected urban area of

Ullal.

7.2.3 Inclusion criteria for sampling

Homemakers living in nuclear, joint or extended family or single mothers living with

or without child.

Women who are willing to participate in the study.

Women who are present during the time of data collection.

7.2.4 Exclusion criteria for samplings

Women with hearing and speaking disability, memory impairment.

Family having full time maid.

Unmarried women.

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7.2.5 Instruments intended to be used

Structured interview technique will be used to determine the knowledge regarding

plastic waste management.

Four pointer rating scale will be used to determine the habits regarding management

of plastic waste.

7.2.6 Data collection method

Data collection period is for 4-6 weeks. The researcher will get the written

permission from the District Health and Family Welfare Officer, Mangalore and Medical

Officer, Ullal PHC. Also written consent will be obtained from study subjects after

explaining the entire purpose of conducting the research study. Data will be collected using

structured interview technique to determine the knowledge and rating scale will be used to

obtain the data on habits regarding management of plastic waste.

7.2.7 Plan for data analysis

Data will be analyzed using descriptive (mean, median, percentage and standard

deviation) and inferential statistics (chi-square test and Spearman’s Rank Correlation). The

result will be presented using tables and diagrams based on objectives of the study.

7.3 Does the study require any investigations or interventions to be conducted on

patients, or other animals? If so please describe briefly.

This study does not have any intervention but the investigator requires gathering data

on knowledge and habits of homemakers on management of plastic waste.

7.4. Has ethical consideration been obtained from the institution in case of the

above?

Yes, ethical clearance is obtained from the ethical committee of KPBNI College of

Nursing, Ullal.

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8. References

1. Connells MJ. Earth day vision for peace, justice and the earth care. [online].

Available from: URL:http://www.nursingplanet.com

2. Joan L. Plastic left holding the bag as environmental plague. Nations around world

look at a ban. Scripps Howard News Service 2004 Jul 20; 7-14.

3. Rao ML. Ban plastic bag for protecting environment. [online]. Available from:

URL:content.msn.co.in/MSNContribute/Story/as[x?PageID=56721f6f-62c-4d07-

9742-7398734c3a2.

4. Sikka P. Plastic waste management in India. [online]. Available from:

URL:http://www.environmental-expert.com/Files/0.articles/2079/2079.9df

5. Parivesh Central Pollution Control Board. Plastic waste management. [online].

Available from: URL:www.cpcb.nic.in/139-144.pdf

6. Ngowi R. Study proposes plastic bag ban in Kenya to manage growing waste

problem. Environmental News Network 2005 Feb 24;11-9.

7. Shah RE. Plastic recycling in Bangalore, India. Urban Waste Expertise Program 1997

Dec;10:28-46.

8. Sharan S, Sudarshan TK, Ramitha PV, Pramila KG, Hebsiba P, Neethu PV, Rakhi S,

Bibitha KJ. Knowledge on plastic waste management. Paper presented at: continuing

nursing education, KPBNI auditorium; 2010 Mar 43-9; Ullal, Mangalore.

9. Reiss A. Barriers to behaviour change and the application of social marketing tools.

[online]. Available from: URL:https://docs/google.com/AReiss490sThesis.pdf.

10. Fujiwara T, Matsuri, Thanh NP. Assessment of plastic waste generation and its

potential recycling of household solid waste in Can Tho City, Vietnam. Environment

Monitoring 2011 Apr; 175(1-4):23-35.

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11. Rann PM, Hill HJ. Environmental protection heritage council. Reusage of bags.

[online]. Available from: URL: www.kesab.asn.au/KESAB%20STATS/Government

%20Response.pdf

12. Office of environment and heritage. NSW Government Waste and Resource

Recovery. [online]. Available from:

URL:http://www.Env.Nsw.gov.aut/war/litterresearch.htm.

13. Mercer A, Hall J, Archibald G, Hyde M, Gupta V. Plastic waste management

strategy for Ontario. [online]. Available from:

URL:https://docs.google.com/Dfile_files_Plastics_Waste_Management.pdf

14. Gakahu DC, Chemweno J. A comprehensive plastic waste management for the city

of Nairobi. United Nations environmental program. Environment for Development

2006 Jul;3:137-9.

15. Shaxson L. UK plastic waste review of supplies for recycling, global, market

demand, future trends. [online]. Available from: URL:

www.wrap.org.uk/document.rm?id=5543

16. Sinha MA, Hissain Z. composition of plastic waste and market assessment of plastic

recycling sector in Dhaka city. Waste Concern Consultants 2006 Feb;6:23-9.

17. Shah G. Brands catch female fever: Hitch women’s only products. [online]. 2007

Mar 1 [cited 2008 Feb 25]; Available from: www.livemint.com/2008/02/.../Brands-

catch-Female-Fever-pit.html.

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9. Signature of the candidate

10. Remarks of the guide The study is feasible and practicable so it is recommended.

11. Name and designation of (in block letters)

11.2 Guide MRS. DEVINA E RODRIGUESASSOCIATE PROFESSOR,KPBNI CON,ULLALMANGALORE.

11.2 Signature

11.3 Co-guide (if any) MRS. ASHA DEVILECTURERKPBNI CON, ULLALMANGALORE.

11.4 Signature

12 12.1 Head of the department MRS. DEVINA E RODRIGUESASSOCIATE PROFESSOR,KPBNI CON,ULLALMANGALORE.

12.2 Signature

13. 13.1 Remarks of the Chairman and Principal

13.2 Signature

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